Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/914278
maltatoday, SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 VIII Christmas WHILE Christmas is known as "the season to be jolly," it can be a significant source of stress, pressure, and conflict for many of us. Some people can feel over- whelmed by the excess, expecta- tions, and exchange and become depressed during the holidays. Most of us are aware of the adverse effects that stress can have on our body. It can impact our thoughts, feelings, and be- haviour, and it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity if left un- checked. 1. Limit spending Gift buying, entertainment, and travel can all fuel financial burden, even for the savviest shoppers. However, here are some steps that you can take to limit financial stress. Set a budget. First of all, make sure that all your usual expenses are accounted for so that you do not fall short on bills such as rent. Plan for any other spending over the holidays, including any parties you may be hosting or traveling to visit friends or fam- ily. Once these items have been subtracted from your budget, you can then work out how much you can spend on gifts. Be- ing organised and realistic about your budget will help you to en- sure that you do not overspend. Make one financial decision at a time. Make sure that you space spending-related deci- sions out. Trying to make too many decisions at once can be overwhelming, which can lead to depletion of your willpower and an increased risk of overspend- ing. Avoid temptation. Manage impulsive spending by taking only the cash you can afford to spend on shopping trips and leaving all credit and debit cards at home. Keep in mind what is impor- tant. Overspending can over- shadow the true sentiment of Christmas. If your expense list exceeds your monthly budget, keep in mind that your relation- ships with friends and family are more important than material objects. 2. Reduce caffeine intake There's nothing wrong with having that early-morning boost to see you through the day. But having too much will do nothing to reduce your stress or anxiety about the pending festivities. Caffeine can elevate the produc- tion of a hormone called cortisol, also known as the 'stress hor- mone', which is the body's natu- ral response to stress. However, when produced in mass amounts the hormone can cause chronic stress, which in itself can lead to even worse effects. Opting for a de-caffeinated hot drink or, even better, water will help keep your cortisol levels at a minimum and help you avoid going into a stress-related overdrive. 3. Manage expectations Everyone has an idea in their heads of the perfect holiday, but when reality falls short of the vision, stress can ensue. Try to manage expectations with by being realistic and helping your children be realistic. Despite your grand plans, no event ever runs seamlessly, and this also rings true for holiday celebra- tions. Rather than accumulating stress along the way from any mishaps that might occur, view these miniature calamities as an opportunity to exercise flexibili- ty and resilience. When children get older and start to become more aware of what they want and what their friends have, parents can feel pressurised to deliver, meet their expecta- tions, and provide them with the perfect presents. Help your child to create a wishlist that outlines any gifts they desire. Make sure they know that they will not receive everything on the list and highlight anything that is not acceptable or obtainable. Remind your child that Christ- mas is about being together, not a list of presents to tick off a list. Planning fun activities that encourage everyone to come together and have fun can create excitement. 4. Avoid overindulging 'Tis the season for indulgence, and whether it be a festive holiday party or a family dinner, we are surrounded by extrava- gant foods and alcoholic drinks. Excessive stress raises appetite and cravings for sugary and fatty foods, and chronic drinking can further exacerbate stress by rais- ing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Allow yourself some holiday treats, but try to control portion sizes and quickly go back to eating healthful foods and do- ing exercise to avoid weight gain. Reducing Christmas stress over the festive season