It's official -- the Christmas season and the stresses that go with it are now upon us. For the single person the stress might be for more than just the shopping frenzy, the Christmas parties and the pressure to get work projects finished up.
For the single person there might also be the loneliness to contend with, the worry of finding a partner for the work do, the sense of being different and the feeling that everyone else is part of a loving couple and a big happy family.
If everyone you know is desperately trying not to get pulled into the unrealistic expectations that surround this season, the single person is trying to cope with more stress again.
Most people, when they think of stress, think of major, life-disrupting events like a redundancy, a seriously ill family member, a divorce or a big financial loss. It's easy to think that small day-to-day hassles don't weigh heavily in the grand scheme of overall emotional well-being.
Size Doesn't Matter
Research, however, suggests that the small daily stresses do hamper your health and can make you vulnerable to serious illness and disease. Taken together, minor hassles and annoyances from everyday life add up to become maybe the biggest stressor of all. Apart from the effect it has on your immune system, stress also ages. As a single person, if you are dating, this is likely to suffer when you feel tired and lethargic and know you are not looking your best.
So what are some simple tips to reduce your own stress levels at this time of year?
- Awareness is the starting point. Take a few minutes and jot down at least five day-to-day stressors and then a further five that come with the Christmas season. Just writing them down will help you feel you have a handle on them and can start to minimize them
- Ask yourself "which of these do I really have to do?" "What's the worst that will happen if I opt out?"
- Remind yourself that in most cases you can do it, dump it or delegate it. What's the best action to take in each case?
- Lower your expectations of yourself -- and of others too. The Christmas image the media presents us with is not real life and is impossible to live up to. Get real!
- Look after your body. When you are physically in good shape you are better able to deal with stress. This means at least a couple of early nights each week and taking a little time to prepare and eat nutritious meals. Poached salmon, avocado, fresh asparagus etc all take little or no cooking and are power foods that will keep you feeling healthy
- Build regular exercise into your day -- even twenty minutes walking in your lunch hour, will make you feel better. Exercise routines with Eastern influences are also particularly helpful, such as those that incorporate yoga, qigong, and tai chi. See if you can find a weekly class, you will reap the benefits for the rest of the week.
However busy and stressful life is, choose at least one sure-fire stress reduction strategy that feels like a good fit for you and practise it regularly. Christmas can in fact be a fabulous time of year for the single person. A chance to meet new people, old friends to catch up with and time away from work to recharge your batteries. So let go of the stress and have yourself a happy Christmas!
If you are single and looking for ways to change your dating experience for the better why not request our complimentary "Guide to Creating Your Ideal Relationship." Visit http://www.TheSinglesGym.com to sign-up - completely free.
Susanne Jorgensen is an experienced psychologist and professional relationship coach who helps singles all over the world attract their ideal partner. More articles and information available right now at http://www.TheSinglesGym.com
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