Nurse's Corner

Lisa Allen RN BSN                                       
Certified School Nurse                   
lallen@northallegheny.org

    Edible Treat Form                                

  Holiday Survival

            Whatever our beliefs and traditions, say the experts, the common holiday experience of adults and children alike is stress. For adults, especially parents, navigating the Christmas season and winter holidays—coping with disrupted work and caretaking schedules, and stretching to achieve the ideal images, on top of already hectic routines—can leave nerves and emotions in less than holiday spirits.

            Although we cling to the idea that the family will spend the holiday together, everyone will get along and it will be wonderful, with a good dinner and the gifts that everyone wants, it’s a rare family that gets together two or three years in a row with the same members present and the same circumstances. Rather than a simple time, it’s a complex time, especially with the wide spectrum of families we have now.

            Especially at this time of year, we have to take care of ourselves, if we are going to take care of others. The key ingredients to keeping healthy and managing stress are:

        Enjoy: Appreciate the uniqueness of yourself and your own family

        Relax: Find private time to read or listen to music; take time out of your busy schedule to sit or lie down; learn brief relaxation exercises you can use anytime to restore your energy

        Laugh: It’s still the best medicine

        Breathe Deeply: It helps increase your energy levels

        Exercise: Maintain a 20 minute regime three times each week; walk an extra lap or two around the mall while out shopping; stretch at every opportunity

        Good Nutrition: Three well balanced meals daily; eat a nutritious snack before going to a holiday party, so you are better able to fend off desires for party food.

        Positive Attitude: Negative attitudes are contagious and destructive.

        Contact: Maintain contact with your own nurturing support systems.

        Manage your time: Set priorities, and don’t take on more than you can handle.

        HAVE A WONDERFULL HOLIDAY from your Nurse

Source: BJC HealthCare™