Stress-Free Holiday Season

Tis’ the season to be jolly. People somehow seem to be in a much better mood than usual and life surprises you with unexpected tokens of affection from people you never really expected them from: a broader smile from the news paper stand lady, your doorman saying good morning and good day. “A good day indeed” you think. But not all days during the Holidays will necessarily be picture perfect. We still have to deal with our jobs, our bills, and daily problems as much as the next guy. And when we add the expenses and stress these days bring, the season might be a little bit too overwhelming.

For men, the holidays are certainly a time of stress. For the single it is a time during which feeling lonely is not rare. Even with the option to visit family and friends, there is something about being alone during this time that makes many people feel sad. This is when anxiety arises and pressure to be in a relationship is heightened by those around us and the commercialized and idealized image of what happiness is.

Single parents also struggle with anxiety because of custody of kids and economic responsibilities. Trying to please children with the presents they like is many times a trend among single parents in an attempt to be “better” and “cooler” in the eyes of their little ones. The trend continues during the children’s teenage years; parents struggle even more with difficult teens that tend to rebel against “corny” holiday traditions.

Married men are not off the hook either. Even when there is a family backing him up, differences between the spouses can take place due to stress and commitments made. Children are no different than with single parents. Wanting to get what their children want without breaking the bank and making everyone happy adds a lot of stress to people’s lives these days. Stress, frustration and anger are not strange feelings to have during this holiday season.

However, not all is dark and dreary. The Holidays are said to be jolly because they are a time of celebration.The key is learning how to cope with the different causes of stress and making the best of the time you have available. Try your best to ignore what the commercial industry tries to get in your head: you are not a bad parent for not getting the $300 gift you 6 year-old wanted. Find alternatives that can fit your budget and your children like. You can also negotiate; once children grow up you can teach them to manage options and choose presents according to price within a budget you’ve made exclusively for them.

The holidays can be hectic times. Learn how to plan your schedule; saying yes to every single event people plan can leave you exhausted and having little time to enjoy yourself, your family and friends. Ignore commercial hype as much as you can. Make sure to keep doing your usual stress relievers (exercising regularly, attending class, being intimate with your partner). Many times, as stress invades our lives, we start leaving the things that are best for our mind and body. Exercising regularly can take a lot of the stress we accumulate during the holidays off and it will keep us fit during a very food-oriented time of the year.

When stressed out, we also neglect our partner. We feel tired and irritable, and these feelings can many times affect our relationship and intimacy. Even healthy and young men end up suffering from erectile dysfunction caused by stress. Adding ED to an already heavy load season can make things between you and your woman suffer. Make sure to find ways to solve problems and release stress; ask your doctor about options like generic Viagra that can give you back the confidence you need to perform. Connect with your partner again and understand why is it that the relationship is struggling. Focus more on you as a couple than on gifts and invites.

Tweet This Post