Christmas is a few days away. If I have learned anything in my short life there are two kinds of people. Those that love knowing that the most wonderful time of the year is just a few hours away and those that will read this and internally scream “humbug.” I usually like to categorize this last group as mainly men who have procrastinated on getting their wife a gift. (I’ll give all of those men a hint-between spa days, jewelry, and a coupon book promising you’ll clean the bathroom next time-I promise you can avoid that uncomfy couch for the next week.) The truth is Christmas is just stressful. With the millions of parties, gifts to buy, and the inability to stick to any type of diet by the time December 25th comes and goes, we are all completely worn out. There are many different aspects to insurance, but health and sanity can help with all of them.
The in laws are coming, you have to wake up at 4 AM to put in the turkey, the grownups have deemed you old enough to help with the cooking – Pick your poison. With everything going on it is so important to figure out easy ways to relax. Here’s a few helpful hints that might just help you make it through:
- Go workout – If Legally Blonde taught me anything, it’s definitely this important lesson- “Exercise produces endorphins; endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t!” Enough said.
- Do Less, Enjoy more – We go over and beyond to try and make everyone happy during the holidays: shopping, cooking, cards, and never missing an event. Perfection is unobtainable no matter how much you may disagree. Give yourself permission to say no and do it without guilt. It is okay to take care of yourself.
- Do what cracks you up – Whoever said laughter is the best medicine had life figured out. Scientifically it’s proven that it reduces stress hormones which in turn helps immune cells function better. You owe it to yourself to let loose and crack up.
- Say goodbye to your cell phone – Constant cell phone buzzes and email alerts keep us in a perpetual state of fight or flight mode due to adrenaline kicks. It’s exhausting. Turn your gadgets off. Be present and enjoy family time without the added in stress or worry.
Hug your loved ones, sing too loud, give thanks for your blessings, and drink too much eggnog. It’s so easy to get caught up in the tasks of the season, but take a moment to just enjoy it all and remember the reason for the season.
We want to wish you the Merriest of Christmases from ECI Insurance.
