5 Steps to Relaxation


by Dawn Crouse - Date: 2006-12-04 - Word Count: 480 Share This!

Are you already feeling stressed about the holiday season? Perhaps you took on too much for Halloween, expect to eat too much on Thanksgiving, dread the shopping on Black Friday but will do it anyway, and do not know how you will accomplish all that the holidays seem to expect of you. With five simple steps, you can limit your stress and enjoy the holidays.

1. Say "NO" - Too often we are unable to relax because we have overcommitted ourselves. We schedule too many things and fill up all of our time. We agree to many worthwhile activities and we do need to do all of those chores around the house. Sometimes, though, we need to say, "NO!" The house will not be condemned and you will not become destitute for occasionally relaxing.

2. Choose Well - Choose a single enjoyable activity, one that is within your means and easily accomplished. You do not need to take a cruise to the Mediterranean in order to relax. Your activity must fit within your budget and time constraints. It must be enjoyable and be solely for the purpose of enjoyment. The office Christmas party may be enjoyable, but it does not fulfill the requirements of this step.

3. Plan It - You need to consider the timing of your relaxation. Perhaps a weekend is better suited to a night out so that you don't have to wake early the next morning for work. Do not plan it on a weekend that is already jam packed with a million other events. You will not be able to relax if you are thinking about rushing to the next event. Plan ahead so that you are not rushing and becoming even more stressed. It is counter productive to become more stressed as you prepare to relax.

4. Refuse Distraction - While enjoying your activity, refuse to talk about things that do not require your immediate attention and are even mildly stressful. Focus completely upon the activity that you have planned and anticipated. Your son's orthodontics do not require discussion during your massage.

5. Limit It - Do not overdo your pleasurable and enjoyable activity. Do not stay longer, spend more, or add onto it. Taxing your time, energy, and finances will cause more stress later, no matter how tempting it is to splurge at the moment. Relaxation does not mean extravagance or overindulgence.

Relaxation is good for your body and mind. It enhances relationships and work performance. Limiting your stress reduces the risks of health problems, poor sleep, and mood disorders. If you occasionally engage in relaxation, you can improve the quality of your life. Carefully consider the commitments you are willing to make this holiday season; know your limits and stick to them. Make a resolution now to set limits and schedule relaxation so that you can thoroughly enjoy the holiday season, and by the time the new year arrives, you will be ready for it.


Related Tags: stress, holidays, relaxation, self-care

Dawn Crouse is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, and high school teacher. Visit her website as http://www.curwhibble.blogspot.com to read other articles by her and to leave a comment.

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