December 03, 2009
Relaxation Tips Newsletter
Hello,
I'm Candi, with Inner Health Studio. Welcome to Edition 14 of Inner Health Studio Relaxation Tips.
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In This Issue....
Inner Health Studio Updates and News
New Relaxation Scripts
Tip of the Month: Overcoming Holiday Stress
Inner Health Studio Updates and News
Share your questions, comments, and ideas directly on innerhealthstudio.com. Submit your ideas and build your own web page that you and others can comment on. Ask and answer questions about coping, relaxation, stress and anxiety.
Feature question this month: What is the Worst Panic Attack You Ever Had? Click here to describe your worst panic attack or read about the panic attacks others have experienced.
New Relaxation Scripts:
Breathing Relaxation for Children This breathing relaxation for children is for anyone who is learning to relax. Both children and adults can use this breathing relaxation exercise as an easy relaxation technique.
Get Rid of Nightmares Many people experience night terrors and struggle with how to get rid of nightmares. This relaxation script uses guided imagery and visualization to help return your mind to a peaceful state.
Quick and Easy Relaxation This quick and easy relaxation is a method that you can use every day, at any time, to decrease the tension in your body and counteract the effects of stress.
Tip of the month: Overcoming Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be a stressful time. Multiple demands create stress. Many people want to have a "perfect" holiday, and try to make sure everything goes just right.
What causes holiday stress?
The holiday season is usually a busy time. Stores are crowded, and going out can be more stressful than usual. While holiday activities can be enjoyable, they can be stressful too. The time demands many people face can create rushing and stress, as people rush to buy gifts, plan gatherings, decorate, prepare meals, and do various other activities.Stress can come from financial strain, time demands, and high expectations. Perfectionism and high expectations can lead people to push themselves to get everything done, and do all of it perfectly. Inevitably, some things do not go as planned, leading to stress, frustration, and disappointment.
Here are some ways to decrease holiday stress.
Decide what is important. Think about what matters the most to you over the holidays. Is it time with family? Giving gifts? Enjoying a holiday meal? Some traditions and activities are probably very meaningful. Some activities may be more stressful and less meaningful, and perhaps some of these can be cut out.
By setting priorities, you can spend time and money where it counts the most, and let go of the things that do not matter as much to you. Make sure to make relaxation a part of your plan. Even a few minutes of using a relaxation technique can help to calm you and increase your ability to withstand stress.
Questions to think about:
1. What is the holiday season about? What does this time of year mean for you?
2. What three things are most important to you for the holidays?
3. How much time do you have to devote to holiday activities?
4. How much extra money do you have available to spend for the next few months?
5. What can you do for this holiday season that fits with your values, the time you have available, and your budget? You may want to sit down by yourself or with friends or family members to brainstorm ways to make the holiday season enjoyable and less stressful.
Examples of Ways to Decrease Holiday Stress:
- Set a dollar limit for gift purchases
- Draw names so each person only needs to buy a gift for one family member
- Do a fun gift exchange only using items you already have on hand (used toys, clothing, books, videos, or other gift items)
- For a special family dinner, eat at a restaurant instead of preparing a big meal
- Have each guest bring one dish, decided in advance, and only make one dish yourself instead of the whole meal
- Make new traditions that are inexpensive and fun, such as "build your own pizza night," "movie night," or a cookie exchange.
With some imagination, you can think of ways to enjoy the holiday season and minimize stress.