10 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

10 Tips to Manage Holiday Stress.

1. Remember....you are not alone. Ask others to help out.
2. Don't put off until last moment. That only creates more stress and adds more to the holiday frenzy. Plan ahead.
3. Shop online. Saves time and energy.
4. Remember, it's the thought that counts. Don't place extreme demands for the perfect gift.
5. Keep alcohol consumption in moderation.
6. Reach out to others. For some people, holidays could feel isolating and lonely. Volunteering can help you feel better by helping others, feel more connected to people, and expand your network and resources.
7. Stick to a budget. A maxed out credit card certainly can add to the stress.
8. Be realistic with your expectations. If other family members have other obligations and cannot be with you during the holiday, find other ways to connect. This could include Skype, group phone call, e mails, photos and video's.
9. Set limits. Learn to say no.
10. Do not give in to the belief it is okay to let go because it is the holiday. Unhealthy lifestyles make you feel unhealthy. Also creates feelings of guilt and sometimes anger.

It is important to keep in mind the holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration and joy. Try to enjoy the time, appreciate what you have, think positive, stay in control of your situation and offer yourself a break.

What are the signs of Depression?

A person may be depressed for a variety of different reasons including: a life event (death of loved one, divorce), substance abuse, a situation in life (being in an unhappy marriage), a feeling of depression without any noticeable starting point, a medical condition or any combination of the above.

The symptoms of depression include any of the following symptoms: feeling sad for most of day, decrease in pleasurable pursuits, weight gain/weight loss, fatigue, feeling guilty or worthless, isolating, sleep difficulties, difficulties concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death. Any single one of these symptoms could bring a person to see their doctor or.

Diagnosing depression may not seem as easy as one would think. A person may be depressed but not necessarily identify their symptoms as being the cause. Some one may see a doctor for sleep difficulties, but upon further questioning might have other symptoms of depression. A thorough exam should uncover other symptoms that would lead to a diagnosis of depression. If any of the aforementioned symptoms persist for a while or impact your life, you should seek out help. If you are seeking out help from your doctor, it is important for both patient and doctor to discuss other symptoms or events that are occurring in a person's life as opposed to just looking at the initial symptoms.

Going against the current

Most People generally do not like change, even if the change would benefit them. When individuals are feeling depressed, they behave depressed.  By giving into the depression and allowing behaviors to continue, symptoms will increase.  Think of an undercurrent, going with the current would be easier. Going with the current will take you further out to sea……………………………………

Goings against the current will be harder......

 But will get you to solid ground……………………..

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: How Can I Manage My Anger

When anger is mismanaged, the problems it can create could vary. Often physical problems such as ulcers, high blood pressure, and gastro problems could occur. Other problems such as social and relationship problems, occupational problems, and law problems could also present themselves.
When trying to figure out destructive anger, it is important to realize that anger could serve many functions for us. Examples include: getting our way through anger episodes, feeling superior to others, feeling powerful, expressing thoughts (especially hurt), discharging excessive energy, remaining a victim (not taking action but focusing on what is making you angry), and increasing production and motivation. In order to change the way you deal with your anger, you need to be willing or motivated to change. This would involve giving up the advantages you experience when angry.

Managing your anger involves rethinking the way you look at problems, creating more awareness to patterns to your anger, utilizing relaxation techniques, and making lifestyle changes.
We cannot escape from anger. This is a natural human emotion. However we are able to control anger. If you have continual problems in managing your anger, discuss this with a therapist.

Is it possible for Autism to go unrecognized?

Usually, a diagnosis of autism is made when someone is a child, around age three or four years of age. Symptoms of this diagnosis become more obvious as a child struggles to meet the demands of his or her world. Social, language, and behavioral problems or deficits begin to stand out.

Often times a child may be given a diagnosis other than Autism yet still be Autistic. If the symptoms the child is experiencing are intense, the diagnosis of Autism may be overlooked as attention is given to the more overt symptoms.

An example would be a child who has Asperger (one of the five diagnosis that fall under Autism) may be missing social cues that could be interpreted as defiant. This could lead to a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and therapy could go in a completely different direction.

Also, with Asperger, some of the challenges a child experiences may fall under the radar and not be quite as noticeable. Something may be going on in that person's life as a teenager that were not apparent earlier for him or her. This may make a diagnosis of Autism more clear. Autistic symptoms may stand out more, for example, if a child is put in a more challenging environment. As well, if a person has figured out ways to cope with some of the symptoms of Autism, it is possible they could go through life without being diagnosed.

What are the best ways to temporarily ease anxiety?

Answer by Mark Myers:

There are several different components at work when it comes to anxiety. These would include thoughts, behaviors, physiology, and/or environment. Most of the time we can utilize tools to address all the above. Recognize patterns to your anxiety (environment). Certain surroundings may create more anxiety. Preparing for these situations (not worrying about them) will give you a better opportunity to lessen the anxiety.
Another area to look into is your own internal dialogue (thoughts). Recognize how your own thought process may contribute to your angst. Journaling, writing down your thoughts, will help recognize these thoughts. Some people are just wired (physiology) to be anxious. For these individuals, slowing down their physical responses by breathing exercises or progressive relaxation could greatly help. Practicing this techniques is going to be important and will give you more confidence in addressing anxiety.
Anxiety is a emotion that tells us something is wrong. It signals us from messages our brains are interpreting that something is amiss. If we give in to the anxiety (behavior) and avoid the situation that is making us anxious, we are reinforcing the anxiety experience. Working through your anxiety utilizing some of these suggestions, will give you a better chance at mastering your anxiety.
Lastly, I would suggest looking at your lifestyle. Diet, exercise, and poor sleep habits could be contributing factors.  If the anxiety persists and is uncomfortable enough, I would suggest seeking out  professional advise.
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Mark Myers Expert Answer to: How do I set my goals?

The thing is, I'm trying to set my goals, for me to have a long term mirage or finish line and I'm having an hard time, because I don't have an clear image of what I want in a 10 years time. I know what I want for the next months, a year max., but 10 years?

The creation of wealth is my top priority, I have Ideas, but putting them in a timeline, is looking much more difficult than I expected, I usually find planning a difficult task.

So how do you set your goals and how can I set them ?   click for answer