Holiday stress accumulates
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Despite all of the fun of the holiday season, it can also be a very stressful time. But there are some ways to manage that stress and make it an enjoyable time for all.
When we think about the Christmas season we often think about all the good parts. Being with family, receiving gifts and time off work. But the truth is the holidays can be a time of high stress.
Shoppers Chris & Cheryl Banks: “I find that every year gets more and more stressful, people don’t seem to smile as much.”
Experts say a little stress around the holidays is normal, but how do you know it’s too much?
Dr. Randi McCabe is the Director, Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton: “If youre not feeling your usual self, youre having lots of worries, you’re feeling anxious, having difficulty sleeping. Your mood may be feeling down.”
Some people say the most stressful aspect of the holidays isn’t necessarily financial.
The Shaxon family: “But then Grandma, and everyone ya know, cousins, lots of stress. And then having to drive and the weather. ”
And the parking; parking is very stressful.
There are so many things that can up our stress levels during the holidays. Cooking xmas dinner, buying a million presents and having no place to park. Experts say there are some things you can do to help relieve the stress.
Dr. McCabe said: “Really kind of remembering and refocusing about what its all about. Try to keep expectations realistic. Take time for yourself. Stick to your budget.”
You may not be able to get a parking spot close to the mall and you may have no clue what to buy for those on your gift list. But experts say focus on what you can afford, and remember people care about the time you spend with them, not fancy gifts.
A recent poll found that Canadians will spend an average of $1,810 on Christmas by way of gifts, travel and other expenses.
The survey also found our province, Ontario, planned to spend the most on gifts this Christmas, about $873 on average.
The Atlantic Provinces weren’t far behind. On average they plan to spend about $759.
And the most frugal province was Quebec.
