Stress Management for the Holiday Season

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time of the year. Yet for many people, the holidays are often a time of stress which can ruin what is suppose to be the most wonderful time of the year. Common symptoms of stress are insomnia, irritability, muscle aches and tension, and feelings of anxiety. Untreated stress contributes to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, depression and diabetes.

How you deal with stress can affect your family and your overall well-being so how can you manage your stress and enjoy your holidays? It is nearly impossible to eliminate all holiday-related stress, but there are ways you can manage it:

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Develop realistic expectations; let go of perfectionism

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Manage your time, plan ahead

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Stay within your budget

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Take care of yourself; maintain a healthy diet, exercise, get plenty of sleep and limit your alcohol consumption

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Watch for stress signs: stomach problems, headaches, insomnia, hypertension, excessive eating/drinking and anxiety

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Say no, take on only as much as you feel you can handle, and that you have time for

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Make some time for yourself; breath, relax and have some fun

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Seek professional help if you need it. If you have persistent anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping or if you have low moods that last for several days please don't hesitate to contact me

These tips will go a long way to helping you thoroughly enjoy the holidays and manage stress effectively. The idea is to stay centered and not lose you in the rush of the holiday season. Most of all enjoy the holidays!

http://www.chelseamarder.com

Anger Management

By: Chelsea Marder, LMHC, CAP

Is your anger out of control? Is it negatively impacting your life?

Anger is a normal human emotion, however when it becomes uncontrolled it can have damaging consequences on your relationships and health. Uncontrolled anger can elevate blood pressure; increase the threat of heart disease, anxiety disorders, stroke, cancer and depression. Persons who manage their anger well have better relationships, better health, and more career success than those who manage their anger poorly. Therefore, learning to manage your anger can be challenging but you do have the ability to identify and process your anger in an appropriate manner.

Strategies to manage your anger:

• Relax and take a timeout- use relaxation techniques such as deep   breathing, counting to 10, visualizing a relaxing scene.

• Communicate assertively and listen.

• Do something physical to have a healthy outlet for your anger.  

• Respond instead of react- choose how to deal with anger; it is empowering to     know you are in charge of your response, rather than being controlled by other circumstances or people.

• Problem solve.

• Use positive self-talk.

• Utilize stress management techniques.

• Practice forgiveness.

Learning to manage your anger takes practice, but when achieved the benefits are worth it. You do possess the ability to manage your anger in an appropriate manner. If you feel your anger is out of control consider counseling to learn how to handle it better.

http://www.chelseamarder.com

Be Your Best YOU!

http://www.chelseamarder.com

The purpose of this blog is to help others learn from my personal and professional experiences as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and as a woman trying to be the BEST me.

Even though this is my blog, I really want it to be your blog. 

Please write comments, post questions, and if you feel it’s worthy, please share it with your friends. 

I hope that you find it interesting or helpful.

P.S.  Even though I’m a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, my blog isn’t intended to take the place of therapeutic or medical treatment.

http://www.chelseamarder.com