I hope this holiday season has given your family some unhurried time to enjoy simple pleasures. Maybe it is a family game or puzzle going on in the family room or singing carols around the piano. Or after finishing your Christmas Eve meal piling in the car to view the amazing Christmas light displays around town. Whatever helps create special memories for your family is exactly what you need to take time to do today.
Yet, this time of year, with all the joy and celebration, can be a time of increased stress and even sadness for many folks. There are several things we can do to help reduce stress so I am including a reminder list. Try some of these stress reducers in the week ahead.
* Schedule quiet time for yourself each day.
* Strive for balance between personal, couple, family and demands at work.
* Exercise vigorously three times a week.
* Spend time with a friend.
* Share affection.
* Stay flexible - look at unexpected changes as opportunities instead of as threats.
* Eat nutritious food that helps give you energy and fight illnesses like colds and flu.
* Eliminate smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
* Reduce consumption of sugar, coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
* Laugh at yourself and with others.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research & Extension. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu