Plan Ahead to Manage Holiday Stress

Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

    November 25, 2009 

Plan Ahead to Manage Holiday Stress

2009 has been a trying year for many in North Dakota and around the nation. The recession, job loss, flooding rains and the flu are just a few of the issues we have had to deal with this year, and now the holidays are looming. When you don't have much money or don't feel well, it's hard to summon up the spirit of giving for anyone, much less yourself.

"We place too much pressure on ourselves to have the 'perfect' holiday," said Wally Goddard, professor and family life specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. "There is no such thing. When you pursue perfection, you are setting yourself up for disappointment." This year, make it your goal to minimize the stress and strain of the holidays.

How to minimize stress and strain

First, make a plan. Regardless of what your family's traditions are, map out what you can and are willing to do. For example, if you have always given gifts to each member of your immediate and extended family, and you have limited funds, resolve to stay within your budget. You can do this a few ways: inform everyone you give gifts you can only afford to provide one gift for each, give only to immediate family, make gifts, give only to the children in your family or select one person with whom to exchange gifts.

"Truly, we all have almost everything we want or need," Goddard said. "If you are feeling overwhelmed, your family and friends probably are, too. Bring it up, and everyone will be the better for it."

Second, be realistic. With children, pets and uncoordinated guests, your carefully-placed and fragile decorations are not going to remain intact. It's not worth the anxiety to worry about the heirloom ornaments or what others will think of your mantle. "Guests will not notice," Goddard said. "In fact, if you don't want to decorate at all, that is perfectly fine. Determine what is most important to you about the holidays - spending time with family and friends, cooking and sharing goodies, volunteering in the community, attending church or temple. Whatever it is, put your focus on that, and you'll be much happier."

Next, understand you don't have to be gloriously happy. "Too much emphasis is placed on the holidays as the most wonderful time of the year," Goddard explains. "It sometimes isn't. If you've had setbacks in the year - workplace stress, a family loss, illness - you don't have to act like none of that happened just because it's the holidays. Instead, look on the holidays as a time to reflect on the year and make a plan for the next."

Finally, ask for help. "If you're struggling just to get up each day, don't try to tackle the holidays by yourself," Goddard said. "If you already have commitments and cannot take on another thing, do yourself a favor and say no to any other responsibilities. You do not have to do it all, and by asking for help, you'll not only give yourself a gift, but also allow the person you've reached out to an opportunity to show you how much they care."

Stay Healthy at your Desk

Besides working, many people engage in “desktop dining.” Safety rules come into play. Germs can find their way from surface to surface readily as you shake someone’s hand or grab a doorknob. If you snack on some crackers without washing your hands, you may be getting some extra “treats.”

According to University of Arizona microbiologist Chuck Gerba, a desktop may be 400 times dirtier than a toilet. For convenience, consider using disinfecting wipes to clean your work area. Don’t forget to wipe your phone, computer mouse and keyboard. Wash your hands before you eat at your desk. If hand washing is not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Here’s a tasty, nutritious and nonperishable snack courtesy of the Kansas State University Extension Service.

Wheat Banana Bread

1/3 c. margarine, melted

3/4 c. granulated sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

3 bananas, mashed

1 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking soda

1 c. whole-wheat flour

1/3 c. boiling water

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Using an electric mixer, beat the margarine, sugar, eggs and banana until smooth. Sift (or mix) together the all-purpose flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in the whole-wheat flour and blend. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the boiling water to the banana mixture. Pour into a well-greased loaf pan. Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and place on a wire rack to finish cooling.

Makes one loaf of about 16 slices. A serving has 150 calories, 4.5 grams (g) of fat, 26 g of carbohydrate and 2 g of fiber.

Schedule:

Wednesday, November 25 – Burke County

Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving

Friday, November 27 – County Courthouse Closed

Monday, November 30 – Burke County

Tuesday, December 1 – Williston/Divide County