Howdy and welcome to
spiltmilk ranch, well it’s the season to be jolly with all the mistletoe and
holly. I know some don’t feel like
joining the fun. Somewhere out there,
there is someone who for them the season is pure hell. Mistletoe and holly are
both poisonous and can make you or your pet very sick same for poinsettia. But there
are other things that can and will make the season a bad time for some people. Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic to
help you make it thru the holidays. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030
Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping
Stress and depression can
ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and
seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.
The holiday season often
brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. The
holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking,
cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few.
But with some practical
tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even
end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.
Tips to
prevent holiday stress and depression
When stress is at its
peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in
the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you
in the past.
1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to
you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal
to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your
feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely
or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can
offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is
a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don't
have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow,
traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be
open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to
your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures,
emails or videos.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept
family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of
your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for
discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when
something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress
and depression, too.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift
and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to
your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these
alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or
start a family gift exchange.
6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific
days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your
menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute
scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for
party prep and cleanup.
7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you
should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and
colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or
activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work
overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost
time.
8. Don't abandon healthy
habits. Don't
let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress
and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go
overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and
physical activity.
9. Take a breather. Make some time for
yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you
enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze.
Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your
mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
10. Seek professional help if
you need it. Despite
your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious,
plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and
unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your
doctor or a mental health professional.
Take control
of the holidays
Don't let the holidays become
something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression
that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers,
such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before
they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you
can find peace and joy during the holidays.
If you
know someone who is having a hard time with the holidays, be a good friend and
find a way to help them. It will make your holidays better. Now there is just
twenty six day left till it is all over, you can do it.
I heard
from Mouse and he is down there at the South Pole playing hockey with Rudolf and
the penguins. He said Rudolf said they
would not let him play reindeer games.
I told him he had better get to moving
them back to the North Pole or he would have to deal with nick and the sheriff,
if you know what I mean.
Thank you for coming by and may god
bless your holidays
