Holidays are coming, so is stress… How to be happy even under stress

Yikes!!! The holidays are right around the corner. There is so much to do, so much planning, shopping, cooking, and more planning, and time constraints, and often times, - too often – family conflicts. What does this all spell out? STRESS!!! And lots of it unfortunately. I mean, after all, isn’t the holidays suppose to be joyous, carefree loving times? Happy times? You would think, but too often the stress that can come with it can be so overwhelming, and if not dealt with correctly, can make holidays anything but joyous for some. So just how do you go about being happy even under immense stress?

Well you can start with a smile. Seriously… a smile can be all it takes to start turning the stress from its damaging state to a productive state. Yes, stress can be productive. Think about when you have company coming on short notice. You are under the clock and you want your home to be presentable as well as yourself. In no time flat you have ran through the house and gave it a good appearance of clean as I call it and made it to the bathroom to freshen up and toss on a little smelly. You are ready to greet your guest when they arrive moments later. That is productive stress. Same way with deadlines.. The clock is ticking down and the stress is building up, after a couple screams your determination not to be beat kicks in and that stress becomes the driving force to your on time project completion.

When under stress during the holidays seasons, think of the outcome, what you are trying to achieve – may it be a pleasant and tasty meal, a tree full of gifts under it, or peace and good will to all mankind (okay, that is a huge order, but you get the idea) and focus on that goal. When working the overtime think about your children or the persons delight they will have when you achieve the ability to purchase that perfect gift you been wanting to get them but just couldn’t afford. Do not dwell on the fact that you are burning the candle at both ends. I know when I am working and am becoming drained I remember why I am doing it, why I strive so hard, and then the stress turns into my energy base.

Here are some tips on how to be happy even under stress that will help you get through the rough spots during the holidays or anytime for that matter.

1) Recall happy memories and focus on them.

2) Stop what you are doing and find a reason to smile. Say you are baking a pie – pat some flour on your face just because and look at yourself. Smile! Remember why you are baking and the smiles it will bring to those peoples faces that are devouring every morsel. Find a reason to find a little humor or smile.

3) Pick up the phone and call someone who is a positive person in your life, call a friend, have a laugh. Just take that break and make a connection – yes… reach out and touch someone.

4) Breath!!!! Yes, often when under stress your breathing pattern even changes. Stop, sit down, and breath in--- breath out---.

5) Make lists! They are a great booster if you make them right! Don’t write 1. Clean house. 2. Prepare food. etc… Break down your tasks in small steps like... 1. Make bed, 2. Change toilet paper roll, 3. Clean toilet, 4. Dust living room, 5. Dust den, 6. Sweep kitchen floor, 7. Mop kitchen floor, etc… - that way you get to cross off a lot of stuff more frequently. The better organized you are the less stress you will feel as well.
What do you do to help alleviate stress in your life – holidays or not? What makes you happy? Have you achieved it? If you would like to learn more about how you can achieve a personal well-being that leads to a pure sense of happiness, please visit The Turning Point.