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Covering.
Basildon,Billericay,
Brentwood,Chelmsford,
Wickford & all
surrounding areas.
info@hypnorelate.com
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Here are some of the
key factors which create stress at Christmas time, and some
suggestions for dealing with them.
Time Constraints
 | This is one time in the year when it is most apparent
that we are juggling too many balls in the air: work,
family, shopping, food preparation, decorating,
volunteering, etc. Trying to keep them all balanced can be
stressful. Manage your time wisely. |
| We often commit to doing much more than we possibly can
in the limited amount of time we have. Let others know what
you can and cannot do. Don't say "Yes" when it's better for
you to say "No". |
| Delegate tasks to other family members. Involve your
spouse and children in tasks and preparations. |
Money Worries
| Shop within your budget and plan in advance when, how,
and where you will shop. |
| Consider doing your shopping online to find the best
deals; some retailers even wrap your presents! Best of all,
no crowds of shoppers! |
| If you have a large circle of extended family or friends
to buy gifts for, it can be very costly. You might be able
to reduce the stress and cost of Christmas for everyone if
you suggest a change in the way your family and friends give
presents. |
Unrealistic Expectations
| One of the biggest causes of holiday stress is
unrealistic expectations; expectations of ourselves and the
expectations of others. Simply put, we want everything to be
perfect: the meals, family relationships, hoping that the
presents we give are lovingly received. |
| Well it doesn't always work out the way we hoped! What
unrealistic expectations do you have? |
| Give yourself and others a break. Don't be overly
critical if things don't go as planned. |
| Celebrate each event along the way and not just "the
day", e.g. take pleasure in decorating the house and tree;
enjoy the cooking and gift wrapping, etc. |
Relationships
| All families experience tension to some degree. Part of
the reason why Christmas time can be so stressful is the
unrealistic expectation of coming together as a happy family
on this one day of the year. |
| If you and certain family members bicker all year long,
you can be sure there'll be tension at Christmas. Don't
expect miracles and avoid known "triggers". |
| Appreciate that now is not the time to sort out
long-standing grievances. Christmas is stressful enough as
it is - wait until things have settled down in the New Year,
if you can. Talk to friends or a counsellor if you need help
to sort through your feelings. |
| Keep warring factions apart - you could see one group of
relations on Christmas Eve and another on Christmas Day.
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Loss and Separation
| If you are separated from family and friends, or have
suffered the loss of a loved one, acknowledge your feelings
of grief and loss and allow yourself to express these normal
feelings. |
| Allow yourself to feel your emotions. If you prefer to
put on a brave face for others, give yourself enough time
alone to help deal with your feelings. Talk about it as a
family, or with a friend. Sharing your thoughts, feelings
and tears can help you feel closer. |
| You may wish to try something different this year - for
example, if you've always had lunch at home, perhaps have it
at a restaurant instead. Alternatively, sticking to your
family's traditions may be more helpful. The important thing
is to discuss your preferences as a family. Expect and
appreciate that people show their grief in different ways.
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| If separated by distance, keep in constant touch by
phone, mail and email. Avoid the Christmas rush and send
presents, cards or letters to loved ones overseas at the
start of December. |
Look After Yourself
| Remember to take care of your health: get enough sleep,
don't drink too much alcohol, and don't eat too many sweets.
These can all aggravate
stress. |
| Anxiety
and depression are common during the festive season. If
nothing else, reassure yourself that these feelings are
normal. Holiday depression is common and usually passes as
the stress and strain of the festive season ends. |
| Use
relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to cope
with anxiety or tension. |
| Keep moving - keeping up your regular exercise routine
can give you the fitness and stamina to make it through the
demands of the festive season. |
| For more information visit these pages;
quit smoking
and weight loss. |
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Essex, United Kingdom. Complementary therapists covering Essex:
Hypnotherapy, Meridian Therapy, EFT, Life Coaching, UK: Billericay, Basildon, Brentwood, Chelmsford,
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