About Your Holiday Energy and Stress Level
This time of year is particularly difficult for
most people. End of semester crunch, exams, flu season and holidays
combine to sap our energy and boost our stress level.
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself
and optimize your energy level, especially during this hectic season:
Make sure that you are not suffering from a
vitamin deficiency by taking a standard multiple vitamin supplement
to fill-in any nutritional gaps. Vitamin deficiencies can cut your
energy level. Keep your eating moderate and avoid any drastic diets,
etc.
Get some exercise every day. It's best to choose
some exercise activity that you enjoy, rather than one you find a
chore. Start slow, if you have not been exercising--walking is a good
starter.
Moderate your intake of sugars, caffeine (coffee,
cola, tea) and alcohol. All of these cause your system to 'crash'.
Even though some provide a temporary simulating effect, ultimately
your energy level suffers.
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Get enough sleep. Seven or
eight hours is the norm. Keep your sleep schedule regular. More
than an hour or so of difference in bedtime or waking can disrupt
your body's daily chemistry cycle. Your energy level may take several
days or more to recover.
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Be sure to have an emotional
outlet. This time of year is emotionally demanding, and in the press
of activity we tend to put our emotional needs on hold. Holiday
expectations for an upbeat mood can be difficult when we have sad
or angry feelings. Set aside time for yourself. Take special care
to express your "non-holiday" feelings.
If, after trying these suggestions,
you still feel very over-stressed or run down, you might want to seek
some professional advice. Have a healthy holiday season.
All services of
the Personal Counseling program are free and confidential.
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