In this section of our website, you will find highlights from selected seminars, including the seminar description and excerpts from the content as it is presented at corporate sites. For additional information, contact our office.

Managing Stress During The Holiday Season

The seminar: De-stressing in December: Designing a Meaningful Holiday Season

Viewing the holiday season with a sense of anxiety and distress is not uncommon, but making changes in the ways we handle the season is not easy! Learn strategies for examining sources of stress and re-thinking holiday expectations and commitments. Explore ways to make holiday activities manageable, manage stress, and stay centered during the season.

"The season to be jolly?" Amid frenzied mall shopping, forced family gatherings, overspending and overeating, many individuals report that the holiday season has lost its meaning. Some of us approach the holidays with a sense of dread -- experiencing ever-increasing stress levels and feeling exhausted, disappointed, and resentful at its conclusion. It does not have to be that way!

Taking time to examine and acknowledge the major sources of holiday stress is the first step in making the necessary changes. Most of us cling to unrealistic expectations and myths about the holidays, using our selective memory to recall past holidays that seemed to be perfect. Often there are unreasonable demands from family or friends. Do we have to say, "yes" to virtually everything? There also may be unresolved family issues or conflicts that flare up during the holiday season. It can be extremely challenging to connect with family members who are difficult or bitter, or who trigger extreme emotions in others. Changed family situations such as separation or divorce, or losses such as a death in the family, can also be very painful.

Then there's always the reality of limited finances. Despite repeated vows not the repeat past patterns, many of us find ourselves engaging in excessive shopping and overspending. Often there is an attempt to "make up" for the entire year. Many people find that the "holiday hangover" that results in January is simply not worth it. Why not design a reasonable budget and stick to it? What about creative, low-cost or no-cost presents, such as the gift of your time?

And then there's the ever-present bad habit of attempting to cram too much into and already busy schedule. Here is where a true "reality check" is in order. If you supervise others, imagine expecting a 30-40% increase in workload from your direct reports, for a period of four to six weeks. Imagine providing them with no support, no reprieve, and no guidance in setting priorities. Do you think this plan might be met with some resistance? Why do we do this to ourselves?

If you would like to do things differently this year, review these strategies for managing holiday stress and focusing on what's most meaningful. They may help you to design a holiday season that works for you, as well as for your loved ones.

	Make every effort to focus more on people and less on events and things.
	Establish reasonable intentions and goals with those who are close you. Learn the art of setting priorities.
	Acknowledge and adapt to family situations, such as an illness, a recent move or a new baby, that may limit your activities.
	Slow the pace down -- try to move about slowly and mindfully. Play relaxing music and resist the urge to rush.
	Resist the urge to see everyone or attend every gathering. Ask yourself, "How critical is this particular event?" Plan special family time alone.
	Have a "quiet evening" with loved ones. Allow no TV, computer or phone calls, and use soft music, dimmed lights, and scented candles.
	Practice as many stress management strategies as you have in your repertoire, and then some. Avoid letting your exercise routine lapse, do some light reading, get sufficient sleep, and meditate.
	Adopt a "maintain, no gain" plan regarding your weight. Make strategic food and beverage choices at parties and gatherings; try to eat fresh, wholesome, low-fat, or low-carbohydrate items. Eat very small amounts of sweets and desserts.
	Get as organized as you possibly can. For example, wrap gifts as you buy them, make detailed lists, and use mailing labels for cards. Send New Years cards, after the holiday rush, or avoid this task completely.
	Simplify! If you are entertaining, try a "simple soup and salad" menu.
	Discuss and establish a holiday spending budget and stay within it. Watch your use of credit cards. Buy nothing without a specific intention for the item.
	Prepare yourself for those familiar "family dances" that may trouble or anger you. Learn to view them in a more humorous light. Try to let go of your own resentments about past problems or issues.
	Remember that the holiday season is yours to design. You have choices. Focus on what you really want the holidays to mean to you and your family, and plan activities accordingly.