quick clicks

dads today articles

dads today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

All Tied Up

Unwrapping a Stress-free Holiday Season

By Donna Smith

, blames technology and access to information that wasn't available before. "There is so much information about what makes a good family, what makes a good holiday, how to do things – whether it's wrapping a gift or picking out a turkey – that the average person feels completely inadequate," she says. "In addition, we have turned into a society of instant gratification. If we want something, we buy it. If our kids want something, we buy it for them. This makes holiday gift giving especially stressful as we try desperately to find gifts for people who already have everything!"

Rocks also says it has become a status symbol to be overwhelmed and over-committed. "It somehow makes us feel important, but ultimately, it has made us unhappy," she says.

Read Celia Rocks' plan for a happy life here!

Susman agrees. "We are affected by the media and what we assume are other's expectations," she says. "We allow ourselves to be judged by the 'theys' in our world. There is no one right way to celebrate the holidays."

Increased stress can lead to health problems. "Supposedly, 90 percent of everything a doctor sees is stress related," says Susman. "This doesn't mean that stress causes you to catch a cold, but stress does affect your immune system, which makes you easy prey to colds, flu, even cancer."

According to Susman, indicators that you may need to reduce your stress level include headaches, stomachaches, irritability, teeth grinding, lack or increased appetite, insomnia and forgetfulness. "Stress can also lead to increased smoking, drinking, eating and drug abuse," says Susman. "Interestingly, the stress response soon becomes the stressor. For instance, planning a big party can lead to sleeplessness. Sleeplessness, or insomnia, now is the source of worry. 'What if I can't fall asleep?'"

Want to see more?

• Homes for the Holidays: Economical Decorating With Your Family
• Giving Too Much: How to Say "No" – Guilt Free
• Seasonal Stress Relievers: How to Relax and Enjoy the Holidays With Your Partner
• Talk about it!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.