Ho, Ho, Holidays, Stress, and EFT

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas, or to some, Bah, Hum Bug. The holidays are once again upon us. What once used to be "I can't wait until Christmas" has now turned into "I can't believe it's almost Christmas again." For many the beginning of the holidays means adding the word "pressure" to the top of their shopping list. Like shopping for an item on your list that you know you need and is out there, but just can't seem to find. Just the thought of Christmas can leave us feeling more frazzled than bedazzled for the holiday season. Or some may just simply call it plain old stress. The beginning of the holiday season automatically places multiple demands upon us, not to mention the already long list of daily duties you may have. We are consumed with holiday shopping, family gatherings, parties and the physical, financial, and emotional tensions associated with these events. How do we survive the Holiday rollercoaster? Thankfully, you don't have to hide out at the North Pole to save your Sanity. With a little TLC and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) you can have a happy and healthy holiday. Planning Before committing yourself to hosting the neighborhood bake exchange or attending a potluck party, be sure and ask yourself if this is really something that you want to do, or can make time for. Don't feel guilty about saying No! Put you, your family, and your responsibilities first. Nothing is worse than saying Yes, when you really mean No. One way to quickly ruin the holidays is by doing too much. Delegate, no one says you have to be Superwoman. Make a list of things for other family members to do. Not only will this take some pressure off you, but it will also include them in the holiday festivities. When you're out shopping, leave your packages at the wrapping tables; this eliminates one item of your list of things to do and gives you more time to shop. Prioritize, do what needs to be done, take time to enjoy the things that are really important and meaningful to you. Exercise Workouts tend to go to the bottom of the list when you're up to your elbows in wrapping paper. Exercise releases endorphins, the happy hormones which sweep away the stress hormones that develop throughout the day. While it can be a chore to incorporate your aerobics class into your busy holiday schedule, there are other alternates. Try finding the furthest parking space away at the mall; you can make a brisk walk part of your exercise routine. Also try parking on the opposite side of the mall, so you have to walk through the mall to get to you're favorite store. Wear a pedometer. Shopping for the holidays can be an exercise in itself. Track your miles while you're shopping for that special gift. You'd be surprised at how many miles you can accumulate. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Use EFT to calm your nerves. Not only can shopping be stressful during the holidays, but the urge to resist those delicious holiday goodies that seem to stalk us can darken ones mood. Maintaining a diet during the holidays seems to be one of the most stressful things there can be. Always having to fight the temptations can eventually wear you down. Using EFT can help. When the pressure is on, just remember those pressure points, and tap. EFT provides rapid relief and long term benefits for Stress. Whether it is stress or a simple craving, EFT works equally well and often works where nothing else will. Once you have learned the EFT process, you can apply it at the onset of an attack and, in most cases; it will rapidly "bring you down" within minutes. For some people, a few rounds of EFT not only rapidly dissipates a current attack but, in addition, it noticeably reduces ... or eliminates ... future occurrences. Time for Me Make time for yourself, schedule in one hour every day to rejuvenate your mind and body. Think of yourself as a car, when your out of gas, you need to refuel. Take the time you need: soak in the tub, read a good book, get a massage, or even take a nap. The key is to do something that gives you solace. Be sure to get a good night sleep. Sleep is nature's own stress management technique. When you sleep, you breathe more deeply and slowly, your heart rate and blood pressure go down and you replenish certain brain chemicals that affect mood. Holidays come once a year and it's important to be the best you can be, not only for your loved ones, but for yourself. You too can be Winning At Weight Loss. Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday.