FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
AVOIDING HOLIDAY ANXIETY
Birmingham, Michigan (November 9, 2014) – It’s that time again; the holiday season is right around the corner. While it’s billed as the most wonderful time of the year, many people consider it the highest-stress time of the year. Even if you love the holidays, financial strains, lots of family time and ample fattening food can lead to at least a little anxiety. But with a few simple tips and tricks from wellness expert Cassie Sobelton, there are ways to manage stress, ensuring we don’t lose our holiday cheer.
To start, make sure you start prioritizing, planning and shopping early. The earlier you start, the sooner you’ll be able to cross things off of your list. Finishing Christmas shopping before December 1st gives you a chance to actually enjoy the days leading up to the holiday, rather than rushing out and dealing with chaotic crowds.
It seems like everyone is hosting a party or arranging a dinner prior to the holidays, which can be lovely in moderation but can start to feel like a forced march when they all come at once. Learn how to politely decline any invitation that you don’t truly want to accept. Obligations are programmed into our psyche, but if you are attending events purely out of obligation, you are going to wear yourself out for the events that you are truly looking forward to. When you feel like saying no is selfish or impolite, consider it a gift to your kids, your spouse, your co-workers or your friends that you’ll be less stressed out and nicer to be around without so many commitments on your plate.
Now, if you’re the one hosting the party, remember when someone declines it isn’t personal. And, more importantly, when someone offers to help, let them. For Type A people out there this can feel almost impossible, but it will shorten your to-do list as well as make your guests feel helpful. If you’re not big on cooking, there are many styles of parties that require little skill (think fondue or crock-pot cooking). Or, cater in and let the professionals do the heavy lifting. Sometimes, it can even be less expensive.
Speaking of food, don’t let the holidays totally destroy your diet. Of course, allow yourself some indulgences (that’s a cookie, not a dozen), but binging on sweets, caffeine or alcohol will leave you feeling physically ill and emotionally guilty. Plus, a holiday binge will create a sense of urgency to play fitness catch up once the holidays conclude, and who needs that extra anxiety?
Eating a little more than usual? Not a huge deal if you’re also sticking to your exercise routine. High-intensity exercises will get your blood flowing and possibly help you take out any aggression that the holidays have brought with them. Sleep is so vital (and often elusive) during high-stress times; doing a workout that wears you out ensures that you’ll have a better night’s rest. If kickboxing or spinning isn’t your thing, meditative exercise like yoga or jogging can lower stress levels tremendously.
Lastly, as impossible as it may seem, set aside time each day for yourself. This could be to meditate, do a deep breathing exercise, or simply sit quietly; the activity is not as important as the idea that you’re giving yourself the opportunity to check in with yourself and make sure you’re centered despite the holiday hubbub. Even 10 minutes in the morning can balance your state of mind, which will help the rest of the day run smoother and put you in a better position to deal with whatever the holidays might hurl at you.
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ABOUT CASSIE: Cassie Sobelton melded her unique background of business, government, public outreach, traditional healthcare and holistic wellness to establish SynBella. In addition to a B.S. Degree from Central Michigan University in both Psychology and Sociology, Cassie has earned several certificates in health disciplines, leadership, and life support training. She has participated in extensive training programs, such as the University of Michigan Leadership in Operations program and the Detroit Medical Center Leadership Academy; she has also received degrees or certificates in the following disciplines: Health Coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition; Registered Yoga Teacher from Yoga Alliance; Laughter Yoga Instructor; Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner; the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support (BLS) Trainer Program; and Raw Food Teacher, Nutritionist and Chef. Cassie lives a balanced spiritual life filled with friends, family, exercise, biking, practicing Eastern philosophies, and daily gratitude.
ABOUT SYNBELLA: SynBella offers an exclusive Health Management Platform™ that offers valuable virtual tools and education, as well as on-site services focused on employee health and wellness. They combine Eastern and Western health philosophies in their unique approach – from education courses on nutrition, weight loss, stress management and meditation, to on-site services like massage therapy, cooking demonstrations, biometric screenings and health fairs. Their comprehensive wellness programs engage and motivate staff to live healthier and happier and to make positive lifestyle changes.