are important. Budgeting just one
thing like gifts would still leave
out all the other expenditures that
come during the holidays and you
would fall off track easily. Just be
sure to set realistic budget goals as
you will only be disappointed if
you aim to spend much less than is
possible and remember that paying
with cash rather than credit can
help keep you accountable and
ultimately calm and happy when
you see your planning ‘paying’
off. Who knows? You may even
be giving yourself the gift of smart
spending habits into the New
Year!
F for Food/Alcohol to Cope – Too
much of anything is never a good
thing
It is true that women are
more susceptible to holiday stress
as they are the first to take charge
of parties, meals and décor this
time of year. The overwhelming
pressure that can be put on people
this time of year can lead to bad
stress management practices like
comfort eating or binge drinking.
Overindulgence comes with
the holiday season. It adds to the
fun of celebration with friends and
family but it can easily be done in
excess. Don’t use the month of
December as an excuse to indulge
every day. Try to stick to your
regular diet and routine during
Christmas time. When there is a
party or dinner, feel free to
indulge yourself a little and just
know that too much of anything,
especially sweet and rich foods
can make you feel sluggish and
sick.
A 2015 study of
postmenopausal women showed
that over consumption of sugar
increased the likelihood of
depression. Another study
showed that a diet high in trans
fats can increase your chance of
depression by 48%. Alcohol is an
even worse depressant. A common
coping mechanism in the form of a
celebratory beverage or too many
festive filled nights of drinking
can quickly bring on feelings of