How to have a relaxing holiday season:
- Be realistic & use humor.
- Spend time giving to others. Volunteer!
- Maintain as normal a routine as possible.
- Concentrate on people instead of objects.
- Eat regular meals - focus on good nutrition.
- Let your children help you.
- Keep it simple: have a potluck dinner, shop online.
- Get regular exercise & avoid overindulgence in holiday food, alcohol, & caffeine.
- Set a budget & stick to it.
- Be good to yourself - take a bath, RELAX!
 The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. With parties, gifts of food, and holiday dinners, it is
especially hard to lose weight or even not gain weight. Remember, the holidays are for enjoying good times
with friends and loved ones. During the holidays, the key is avoiding weight gain. LIVE FOR LIFE suggests
Ten Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain.
Enjoying the Holiday Season
Has the "season to be jolly" rolled around without you? It's not unusual to feel out-of-sync with what we think the holidays "ought" to be. The following tips from
Personal Assistance Service may help pick up your spirits and see you through the upcoming season.
Be Realistic - Holiday media messages and our own wishful expectations can be overwhelming. Along with joy and anticipation, the season can bring financial, emotional and time pressures. Don't over plan your activities. Participate at a level that is right for you. Spending time alone or with those closest to you can help maintain your energy reserves. Give yourself some guidelines for spending and try not to make impulsive, last-minute buys. Remember that special gifts don't have to be expensive. If you have had difficulty with holidays in the past or if you have experienced a recent loss, acknowledge your feelings of sadness and reach out for support from others. Volunteering your time to those in need can boost your morale and theirs!
Take Care of Yourself - Holidays can be a difficult time to diet, so you may want to get a jump on your New Year's resolution and begin an exercise program now. Exercise will not only offset a few extra calories, but it also provides a release for the extra stress you may be under. Strive for moderation and make self-care as much a priority as doing for others. Give yourself permission to decide what your limits are.
Examine Your Traditions - Distance from loved ones or changes in our circumstances may make it difficult to carry on traditions from our childhood. Do your traditions still make sense for you? You may want to begin some new ones. They may not seem like a lot at first, but if you repeat them for several years they will become important. Examine the expectations that others have (and you have) about how you "should" celebrate the holidays. In changing times with changing families, we need flexibility and creativity in planning our celebrations.
Many adults experience holiday "blues." If you are unable to shake a depressed mood, it is important to talk with a friend, family member, or professional. We are fortunate to have so many support systems in our area.
Personal Assistance Service is one resource available to Duke employees and their families.
Personal Assistance Service is the faculty/employee assistance program of Duke University. The staff of licensed professionals offer assessment, short-term counseling, and referrals to help resolve a range of personal, work, and family problems. PAS services are available free of charge to Duke faculty, staff, and their immediate family members.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season!
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