The Twelve Days to De-stress Your Holidays (hmmmm)

by Kathy Ross, RN, MHA
Wellness Director
Methodist Health System

Have you finished your holiday shopping? Are the cards out? Gifts mailed? Ready for the upcoming family get-together? 

If not, take heart. You’re not alone. ’Tis the season of excess and stress — and balancing a hectic personal life with your professional life can be overwhelming. The good news is there’s no need to stress over excess if you remember that sometimes less is more.

Think about letting go of stress related to things that are out of your control. After all, you can’t do much about the weather or relatives that you have little in common with and rarely see. Instead seek out quiet time to relax and reflect on the bounty of good things in your life. Here are some tips to reduce stress this time of year:

• Take charge and set limits so you can devote your time and energy to the things that matter most to you
• Slow down and do the things that help you enjoy the season
• Appreciate the blessings in your life such as your health, your friends and family, and the support of your co-workers
• Remember to breathe! Take long, full breaths in, then slowly, fully empty your lungs as you breathe out.

It’s no secret that stress can harm your health. Research shows that heart-related deaths increase by 5 percent during the holiday season. According to a study published in Circulation from the American Heart Association, fatal heart attacks peak on Christmas day, the day after Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Increased stress levels can result in heightened muscle tension, headaches, upset stomachs, impaired sleep, and increased eating and alcohol consumption.

My gift to you this season is “The 12 Days of Holiday De-stress.” Please sing or hum to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas” as you read the lyrics below!

 

On the first day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

A quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the second day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the third day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the fourth day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the fifth day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the sixth day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Six holiday movies, gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the seventh day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Seven bubble baths, six holiday movies, gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the eighth day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Eight hours of sleep, seven bubble baths, six holiday movies, gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the ninth day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Quality time with nine friends, eight hours of sleep, seven bubble baths, six holiday movies, gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the tenth day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Ten juicy oranges, quality time with nine friends, eight hours of sleep, seven bubble baths, six holiday movies, gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the eleventh day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Eleven dogs a’fetching, 10 juicy oranges, quality time with nine friends, eight hours of sleep, seven bubble baths, six holiday movies, gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

On the twelfth day of de-stress, Methodist sent tips to me:

Twelve rounds of laughing, 11 dogs a’fetching, 10 juicy oranges, quality time with nine friends, eight hours of sleep, seven bubble baths, six holiday movies, gleeful online shopping, four relaxing neck rubs, three brisk walks in the park, two joyful songs, and a quiet time by the fireplace.

 

If you’re ready to hum along with an organization that helps you balance your personal and professional lives, then it’s time to consider Methodist Health System. Learn more by visiting Jobs.MethodistHealthSystem.org.

 

© Methodist Health System

 

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