Media Release
December 20 2006
Festive season survival guide
Eating and drinking
Eating too much sugar, drinking excessive alcohol and abandoning normal
exercise routines are three sure ways to invite the Christmas blues.
That’s the message from UniSA’s senior lecturer in psychology and
counselling,
Dr Nadine Pelling.
While she doesn’t advise total abstinence for social drinkers, Dr
Pelling believes many people, especially those prone to stress and
depression, would have a better time during the festive season if they
took a reality check in terms of their health and emotional wellbeing.
“Eat and drink moderately, sleep well, continue to exercise and remember
to take time to relax,” Dr Pelling advises.
“Overindulgence has a price. It can leave people feeling tired, stressed
and even depressed - things we don’t want at any time, let alone at
Christmas. And while eating more sugar may provide a temporary energy
boost, it may send people plummeting into a low energy period and
depressive feelings. Similarly, alcohol is a depressant and the more
people drink, the harder it is to keep a balanced view of reality and
mood,” Dr Pelling says.
Spending
“Don’t spend more than you can afford because it not only places the
focus on gifts rather than personal relationships but, more importantly,
overspending will create a stress that lasts for months after the
holidays are over.”
Dr Pelling suggests that for some large families, everyone could
contribute to one gift for a family member (chosen by picking a name out
of a hat) so that each person gets and receives one gift. Alternatively,
put spending limits on gifts to limit the financial burden of the
festive season.
“People’s most treasured memories are often about the time they spent
with family and friends, and the activities and fun that they had
together, rather than gifts that tend to be forgotten and outgrown,” Dr
Pelling says.
Holidays
“Christmas holidays can be stressful and although it is better to plan
ahead and buy gifts at sales during the year, most people don’t and face
the stress of last minute shopping and arrangements. That’s part of the
human condition,” she says.
“We all have a choice in how we handle the holidays. We can take a step
back when we start feeling stressed or depressed and decide to be more
realistic and supportive of ourselves by eliminating what isn’t
important in the festive season.”
Dr Pelling suggests that people make their holidays special by deciding
early what they want to do, where they want to be and, and then plan how
much work has to be done, how much money has to be spent and how much
stress or pressure they wish to place upon themselves to achieve their
holiday plans.
Contact for interview
-
Dr Nadine Pelling mobile 0402 598 580 email nadine.pelling@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Geraldine Hinter office (08) 8302 0963 mobile 0417 861 832 email geraldine.hinter@unisa.edu.au