Holiday Care for Parents

The holidays are times of fun traditions and extra events, and consequently added stress.  Being proactive in the areas of personal boundaries and physical care can help us to stay healthy and balanced…ultimately keeping the JOY in this joyous season.

Know your Limits

Setting healthy boundaries is an essential life skill.  Boundaries are not just walls that separate rooms, boundaries around our physical self, emotions, time and finances are the limits and rules we set around ourselves in relationships.  Sometimes our boundaries can be too restrictive or permissive.  A healthy approach to setting personal boundaries is to be protective while being open to intimacy.  Having more time with extended family and in-laws can be a time for reconnecting and creating lasting memories.  It can also be a time of hurt feelings or drudging up past difficulties.  Take time to focus on what you’d like to get out of this season, what is important to protect with a little more firmness than in past years and what areas can be loosened up to allow for more fun, spontaneity and joy.  We are relational beings, and among the ‘busy-ness’ of the holidays, it’s important to take the time to focus on our relationships, which ultimately matters most.

Calming vs. Comfort

Your physical care is important and the holidays can take a toll on one’s waist line and health.  Food is incredible.  It sustains and connects us with those we love.  Unfortunately people tend to overeat, binge or make unhealthy choices when under added stress like the holidays. It’s important to understand the difference between comfort and calming foods.  Usually the food people seek out when stressed isn’t good for them.  Below is a list of stress-reducing calming foods that are good to keep on hand this season:

1. Avacado– It’s high potassium helps to keep high blood pressure at bay and it’s also a great source of beta-carotene, folate, glutathione, lutein and vitamin E.
2. Bananas– Also high in potassium, bananas are filling and contains about 30% of the day’s vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce seretonin.
3. Dark Chocolate– yep…in moderation this is an outstanding stress-reducer, even reducing cortisol levels (stress hormones)! Hooray!
4. Nuts– Cashews are an especially good source of zinc.  Low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety and depression.  Similar to chocolate, nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts maintain a healthy cortisol level.
5. Oatmeal– precipitates the brain to produce serotonin, the level of which is reduced by stress.  Also high fiber to help stave off hunger.
6. Quinoa– increases serotonin levels in the brain and helps to prevent swings in blood sugar levels (which results in concentration issues, mood swings, cravings and fatigue).
7. Tea– a warm cup of tea can be very soothing.  L-theanine, an amino acid found mainly in tea leaves, improves focus and has a calming effect. Chamomile, particularly plays a significant role in reducing anxiety.

Lastly, just remember to breathe, smile and enjoy each moment.  Though the holidays can stir emotions, remember that He came so that we may have life and have it in abundance.

Happy Holidays.  May you be filled with Joy and Peace!