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PrintWoman to Woman: Avoiding Holiday Stress
As much as people look forward to the holiday season -- they also dread it. It's a time of giving, spending, and a whole lot of work. But tonight -- we're going to show you how to find some relief and put the joy back in the season.
(WSVN) --
Aahhh the holidays... family, food, festivities... a time to sit back and relax.Not for women like Kat Miller, who says 'tis the season to be hectic.
Kat says,
"You need extra time, you need extra time to shop, you need extra time to cook, you need extra time to wrap presents and write cards."Just like many other women, Kat, mother of 4, finds that come November, there's just not enough hours in the day to get everything done just right.
She says, ""You want it right, you want it perfect, you want it special."
South Miami Hospital Therapist
, Dr. Kaia Calbeck says, "A lot women feel the need to just make everything wonderful at their house, and that everyone else is happy."But therapist, Dr. Kaia Calbeck says that only puts more pressure on you.
To alleviate stress, she suggests changing your expectations of the holidays.
Dr. Calbeck says,
"So not expecting perfection, not believing that the holidays to be enjoyable must be idealic."You may also want to try delegating out some of your responsibilities.
"Don't feel bad in asking other people to help out because it's in the helping out that we connect to people."
"The kids do help, even the younger ones can help."
But even with a little help, the holidays can still run you ragged.
So even though it may be the last thing you want to do, experts say a little exercise can go a long way in alleviating stress.
Just 20 minutes a day can help bring you some well-deserved holiday cheer.
"That can really reduce stress in so many different ways."
But experts say the best remedy for stress is prevention.
So to avoid the strain of the holidays, try not to overcommit yourself during the season.
"Is it necessary to go to 6 holiday parties or can you go to 3."
You can also make out a holiday budget and take the specified amount out in cash so that you don't overspend.
But mostly, you have to find what works for you.
"Sometimes I do as far as gift giving, I wrap as I go."
"Sometimes I'll address Christmas cards and do that over Thanksgiving."
And finally, don't forget to enjoy yourself and your time with your family, after all that's what they holidays are all about.
"I like to sit down and socialize and talk and relax and I think everybody deserves that break."
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Contact: bcanals@wsvn.com