Stress and the Holidays
- Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10:20
- The Healer Within
- 2 comments
When you were a child, did you have visions of a winter wonderland, candy canes, holiday treats, lots of toys, and everyone being joyful?
Although this scenario may ring true for many people, for most it is a time of chronic stress, family disappointments and frustration. People often push themselves instead of taking it easy, spending more money on gifts that may not be what the recipient wants or needs, giving in to the demands of over-stimulated children and being with bickering relatives.
In the rush to find the latest “toy” that your child cannot live without, trying to find that perfect gift, we tend to lose sight of what the holidays are all about. In our materialistic society, we have forgotten about the true meaning of being with family and friends.
We see news headlines of people frantically pushing and pulling to get into stores to get that special “bargain” that they simply cannot live without. And at what cost? What is the cost of rudeness, rage, anger and disrespect? Where has “goodwill towards mankind” gone?
Many studies have shown that stress affects our immune system, increasing our resistance to colds and infections. Stress also puts a strain on our adrenal glands and consequently causes fatigue. Prolonged stress can cause many health problems, including hypertension, pain, headaches, tension, heart problems, depression, strokes and suicide. Stress is the cause of most office visits to doctors. Our bodies were not meant to be in a constant state of flight or fight.
Show by example to your children. What messages are you giving them when you are so emotionally drained that you cannot give them the attention that is needed? It’s not the latest toy that they really want, although they will tell you that. It’s your love and presence, not the “presents” that you feel is necessary to show your love.
Help your children make memories this holiday season. That’s what will far out last any toy that you can buy. Your time is priceless, especially to your family. And your good health and well-being is important for you.
To learn ways to deal with stress, please visit
www.SynergisticCenter.com
About the Author
Sue Heldenbrand CHTP has written 48 stories on this site.
Sue became involved with Healing Touch in 1998 and received her certification as a Healing Touch practitioner in 2002. She is also a Certified Integrated Energy Therapy Practitioner, a Reiki Practitioner, Trauma Release and a Quantum Touch Practitioner. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Personnel Management from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. She has been a guest speaker for numerous organizations, as well as presenting at state conferences. Sue has written articles on energy work for alternative and complementary newsletters. She has developed material and has been a trainer for education classes for child care providers. She has been able to integrate energy- based therapies into local hospital’s operating and recovery rooms as well as providing these therapies to newborn babies at a local hospital. As a volunteer at health fairs and cancer survivor retreats offering energy based therapies, Sue has gained experience in dealing with a variety of health challenges. Training in an advanced Healing Touch technique for PTSD ("amygdala connection") proved helpful for recovery personnel dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes as they dealt with anxiety, confusion, sleeping disturbances, undiagnosed pain and other symptoms of acute stress disorder. Trauma Release is helpful for health providers to reduce secondary stress effects of working with traumatized clients or in trauma settings like hospitals, first response settings, disasters, battle zones, etc. Sue’s private clientele includes World War II and Iraqi war veterans, abuse victims and other individuals reporting symptoms of stress from life-threatening illnesses, chronic pain, accidents, and the death of loved ones. As a volunteer working with cancer survivors and hospital personnel, Sue has assisted individuals dealing with the trauma of their illness. Sue has a private practice in Lafayette, Louisiana. http://www.SynergisticCenter.com
2 Comments on “Stress and the Holidays”
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Did you just finish a University Writing Course? Your style is amazing!
No I haven’t, but thanks for the compliment..I appreciate it.