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Thursday, December 20, 2012 23 Thursday, December 20, 2012 23
» HOlIDAY STRESS
Ease your stresss this December 12 tips for surviving the 12 days of Christmas of support and your act of kindness will outlast any monetary gift you can give. 6. Avoid triggers. Difficult family relationt doesn’t matter if you’re single, newly marships will not miraculously mend themselves in ried or have a bunch of kids, Christmastime time for Christmas dinner! Be aware of subjects can be stressful for anyone. that create heightened emotions in people and CaraLynne McLean, who owns CaraLynne try to avoid them. McLean Counselling in North Vancouver, says 7. Stay active. Rain or shine, plan to do an the holidays can be a wonderful time, but can activity outdoors after the Christmas meal. also be a source of stress, anxiety and Take the little ones out to a park depression because of added duties and or take the family pet for a walk. the complicated task of balancing family 8. Don’t do drugs. Avoid selftime. medicating with alcohol or drugs. Here’s what she recommends doing to Christmas cheer may feel good in ease the stress this December: the moment but too much tends to heighten depression and lead 1. Manage your time. Remember to other issues. you are in control of how much you do 9. Keep perspective. If you over the holidays. If you are feeling overstruggle with issues, especially whelmed give yourself some “time out.” food issues, the holidays are likeSaying “no” to requests is a healthy limit- CaraLynne ly a very challenging time. Try to McLean setting behaviour. keep the holiday season in focus. 2. Ask for help. You don’t have to do Remembering the old adage “This too shall the decorating, baking, wrapping and cooking pass” may just help to get you through. all at once and by yourself. Make holiday tasks 10. Plan ahead. Financially, there are many a family affair and share duties. savings available beginning on December 26th 3. Set a budget. Setting and sticking to that will make your Christmas next year that a budget now will help you avoid the money much easier. blues in January. Think thoughtful rather than 11. Keep track. As you pack up holiday decexpensive gifts. orations, write a list of things that contributed 4. Stay flexible. Divorced or blended famito a good holiday season and those that didn’t. lies often find the holidays more challenging. Place the list on the top of your decoration box If old traditions cause sadness replace them so that next year you’ll have a reminder! with new traditions that fit your new parenting 12. Stay connected. If you are feeling down, arrangement. When you’re not with your chilreach out. Contact a friend, family member or dren, consider getting away, visiting friends or professional counsellor and let them know what taking a holiday rather than being alone. you are going through. Grief, loss, depression 5. Volunteer. It often feels better to give and anxiety don’t magically disappear because than to receive. Consider volunteering at a soup there are shiny lights and holiday music all kitchen, homeless shelter, or a retirement or around. nursing home. There are many people in need
MICHAELA GARSTIN S tA f f W r I t E r
I
D e c e m b e r 2 6 o n ly
Boxing Day Sale
50
up to
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• Handcarved Totems • Plaques • Bowls, • Rattles • Moccasins • Jewellery
Jewellery
offering the best prices on hand-carved jewellery
Eagle Plaques
hand-carved in cedar by a local artist.
Moccasins
Adult sizes starting from $61 in classic colours with rabbit fur cuff.
Turquoise Jewellery Beautiful selection of earrings, pendants, bracelets
Khot-La-Cha
Art Gallery & Giftshop
270 Whonoak Street, North Vancouver, B.C.
(behind International Plaza - located on the Capilano Reserve) Phone: (604) 987-3339 Web: www.khot-la-cha.com
Bullying damages our kids. Do something about it. Give. Volunteer. Act. uwlm.ca/prevent
4121-1212