It’s the most wonderful time of the year. So why does it feel so stressful? The endless to-do lists and events that are part of getting ready for the holidays often leave us feeling like more like the Grinch than Santa. It can be difficult to balance the needs of family members with every day obligations and holiday expectations.
However, we adults are not the only ones who shoulder stress this time of year. Our kids often feel those pressures surrounding the holidays, too. Sure, the season is all about them, and we hope they are able to feel the love and joy this time of year. For many children, however, being shuttled from one parent’s home to another, multiple “family” celebrations, being expected to look and behave perfectly for all those holiday pictures and meals can be exhausting. For our teenagers and young adults, final exams and deadlines for end of the semester projects can create a real sense of doom.
Try to remember to take some time to breathe, relax and just “chill” over the next few weeks. Here are some healthy ways to help you and your child enjoy the season:
• Bundle up and take a walk with your child — we all know that exercise helps to relieve stress. The crisp winter air can really help to clear your head and you might just catch the whiff of a real pine tree
• Take a break and meditate together — even a 10-minute relaxation break can help to focus your mind and decrease the level of stress you are experiencing. Kids can learn to do this with you using any number of guided meditation techniques easily found online.
• Smile and laugh — children do this far better than we do. Enjoy their excitement. Have a tickle fight, sing your favorite Christmas song loudly and badly, and laugh at yourself.
• Share a holiday classic, whether it is Rudolph or Frosty or Elf. Spend some time snuggled on the couch with some cocoa and an old holiday favorite. Teenagers love to do this even if they don’t always admit it.
• Get enough sleep. This is a no brainer. Your body will function better and you will be less likely to get sick if you get enough rest.
We at Joshi Pediatrics wish you all a merry Christmas, happy holidays and a wonderful start to 2018.
Anita Joshi is a board certified pediatrician and mother of two has been practicing in Crawfordsville since 1998. Crawfordsville Pediatric Center is located at 1901 Lafayette Ave. Suite 100, Crawfordsville. She can be reached at 765-361-3086.
