AdventistHealth.org/Portland 15 It’s that time of year again: The holidays are fast approaching! For many of us, that means a lot of joy — and sometimes a lot of stress. If you feel your stress level starting to skyrocket during the holidays, try these stressbusters for a healthier and merrier season. Practice self-care. Carve out a few minutes daily to leave the hustle and bustle behind. Read. Listen to music. Take a relaxing bath. Enjoy a feel-good holiday movie. Remember your healthy habits. Drink plenty of water. Work in a workout. And be sure to get enough sleep. Budget your spending. Plan your gifting based on what you can truly afford for gifts. Spend more time connecting than buying. Manage your expectations. Holiday traditions evolve over time. Keep the ones you love, but don’t be afraid to ditch the ones you no longer enjoy. Declutter your calendar. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of time before, during and after the holidays. Seek help if you need it. A professional counselor — in person or virtually — can help you get a grip on your stresses and find solutions that work for you. This can be particularly helpful when grieving over the death of a loved one or dealing with difficult people and situations during the holidays. Sources: American Heart Association; American Psychological Association; National Alliance on Mental Illness Mental health Healthy Ways to Handle HOLIDAY STRESS
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