Will you be having a happy Christmas this year, or a hellish one? It's your choice, says The Stress Management Society (www.stress.org.uk)
Neil Shah, Director of the Society says: "There are some complex social and financial issues to negotiate here.
"Christmas stress starts with worrying about who to send cards to and getting them posted in time. Then we trawl over-crowded shops for perfect presents at the right price. We invite relatives over that we might not get on with, and cook what's seen as perhaps the most important meal of the year. And in January, we have to start paying the bills.
"No wonder that one in 20 people considers Christmas more stressful than divorce or burglary!"
Preparing for the day
1. Learn to cope
Note what triggers your anxiety and think of a solution in advance, eg if particular relatives coming to lunch make you stressed, then `dilute' their effect by inviting a couple more friendly people along.
2. Plan ahead and delegate
Don't keep Christmas in your head. Get it down on paper. Buy a beautiful notebook and use it to record everything from seating plans and present ideas to the number of your taxi company and babysitter.
Also write down your list of things to do, then strike through the tasks that are neither urgent nor essential. Look at what's left and see what you could delegate, eg give someone responsibility for buying and putting up decorations. Your `to do' list will instantly shrink.
3. Presents without shops
Gift-buying is one of the most stressful aspects of Christmas. But who wants to negotiate heaving high streets? Order through mail order catalogues (available via www.catalink.com)
Online shops worth visiting are www.amazon.co.uk or www.bookgiant.co.uk for books, or www.firebox.com and www.hawkin.com for gadgets and toys. Or if you want a truly stress-free Christmas, try The Stress Management Society at www.stress.org.uk for aromatherapy products, relaxation CDs and revitalising teas. .
4. The easy way to write cards
Tackle this time-consuming task a little at a time. Write out your Christmas card list. Then keep a stack of cards and stamps handy on a table and every night sit down to write out a few.
On the day
5. Let's talk turkey
Abundant rich food stresses the body. So go for healthy options. Ignore crisps in favour of dried fruit and crudités; their roughage is great for your digestive system, and raw vegetables contain much higher vitamin levels than those that are cooked. Just go easy on the dips!
As you sit down to dinner, remember some seasonal foods are actually good for you. Turkey and pheasant contain tryptophan, from which we make the calming brain chemical serotonin. Salmon contains vital Omega 3 oil. Sprouts provide sulforaphane, a powerful phytonutrient that helps you detox and helps protect against cancer.
6. Try internal aerobics
Stress makes your heart beat faster and your breathing shallow. Reverse that process with deep breathing. Breathe in for four counts through your mouth then out for five through your nose. Or try some hearty carol singing for an instant way to fill your lungs.
7. Go for a walk
When you're stressed, exercise is an immediate tonic. Go for a walk or a bike ride. This will burn off stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline and release mood-enhancing endorphins.
For info on stress, talk to The Stress Management Society. See www.stress.org.uk for a free guide to stress, email info@stress.org.uk or call 08701 999 235.
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Top stress-busting presents
• Aromadough – squidgy putty containing aromatherapy oils. As you
squeeze, reflexology points on your hands receive a workout, and the
dough releases tiny amounts of oils that give you a feeling of
wellbeing. £5.27.
• Organic antioxidant tea stack – a tin tea caddy filled with
separate compartments of Happiness, Friendship and Inspiration Tea,
plus Sleepiness Tea (winner of the Organic Industry Awards best new
organic food product 2005). £13.75.
All available from The Stress Management Society shop at
www.stressproducts.info.
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About The Stress Management Society
The Stress Management Society offers practical help to combat stress. It was formed in 2004 by a group of practicing experts in fields like hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), nutrition, exercise, business management, yoga and massage.
The Society has helped thousands of people reduce their stress in natural ways and works with companies as varied as Shell, Royal Mail, The Home Office, Sky TV and Standard Life.
