Eliminate Holiday Stress and Focus on Family and Friends
The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones and celebrating, but it can also bring stress and anxiety. According to a survey by the American Psychiatric Association, about 30% of Americans felt more stressed about the holidays in 2022 compared to the previous year. Budgeting, food preparation, and divisive topics were among the top stressors. However, positive family relationships are essential for overall well-being. By focusing on what really matters – family and friends – you can eliminate holiday stress and create meaningful memories.
Make the Prep Part of the Party
Preparing for a holiday gathering can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a one-person job. Involve your friends and family in the preparation process. If you have a spacious kitchen, invite them over to help prepare the feast. Even if you have a small kitchen, you can still stay connected by hosting a video call and cooking together. Sharing the load of Thanksgiving prep will not only ease your stress but also create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Ditch Cleanup Duty
After the festivities, the thought of cleaning up can be daunting. Instead of spending hours washing dishes and doing laundry, consider using disposable dishes and napkins. You can find a wide range of disposable options at your local grocery store, including environmentally-friendly and compostable alternatives. By switching to disposable items, you can save time and energy, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones.
Focus Your Menu
Traditional Thanksgiving dinners often feature an overwhelming number of dishes. Simplify your holiday by selecting a few preferred dishes instead of trying to include everything. Cutting back on the number of sides and desserts can save you time, stress, and money. Alternatively, consider hosting a Thanksgiving potluck where everyone contributes a dish. This not only lightens your cooking load but also allows your guests to showcase their favorite recipes.
Shop for Shortcuts
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the cooking responsibilities, don’t hesitate to explore readymade options. Many grocery stores offer delicious pies, cranberry sauces, salads, and even pre-made stuffing or potatoes. These shortcuts can save you time without compromising on taste. Additionally, you can find more and more healthy and enticing readymade dishes and mixes to serve on your Thanksgiving table.
Make Way for New Traditions
While traditions are an important part of the holiday season, don’t be afraid to embrace new customs and habits this year. Here are a few ideas:
Pass on Family Recipes
Use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to spend quality time with your family by involving them in the kitchen. This bonding experience can strengthen your family unit and allow you to pass down cherished family recipes and traditions. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member, whether it’s collecting ingredients or peeling vegetables. Choosing family favorites can make the cooking process more enjoyable for everyone.
Give Back to Your Community
Consider making giving back to your community a holiday tradition. Volunteer together at a food shelf or donate food and money to local organizations. This is a meaningful way to express gratitude for what you have and bond with your loved ones. Helping those in need can bring a sense of fulfillment and perspective during the holiday season.
Have Fun Together
Instead of simply gathering for a meal, plan fun activities for your family to enjoy throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. Engage in group games, take a walk together, or work on a jigsaw puzzle. Look at old photos and share stories and memories from the past year. By focusing on quality time and shared experiences, you can make the holiday more meaningful and less stressful.
Learn Something New
Create lasting memories by learning something new together as a family. Invite a skilled family member or friend to teach everyone a new skill or explore a topic that is unfamiliar to all. Whether it’s making homemade fall decorations or learning to knit, the process of learning together can bring your family closer this Thanksgiving.
Freshen Up Your Thankfulness
Take time during your Thanksgiving gathering to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Encourage your guests to create lists of things they are thankful for and share them with the group. You can make this activity more interactive by turning it into a game, such as a guessing game where everyone must act out what they are most thankful for. Another idea is to create a thankfulness collage using magazine clippings, fall leaves, and written notes of gratitude.
The holiday season is a time to cherish your loved ones and create meaningful memories. By focusing on what truly matters – family and friends – you can reduce holiday stress and enjoy a more fulfilling holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is holistic medicine opposite?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They are trained to spot the root causes and prevent future disease. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. Holistic physicians often refer to the whole being as “the Body”.
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may suggest lifestyle and diet changes. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It encourages people to be informed consumers and actively participate in improving their health.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
To stimulate the flow and energy of qi (energy), Acupuncture uses fine needles that are inserted into specific points in the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health care based on balancing the three humors – air, fire, and water. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine gets its name from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (disease). Homeopaths believe every disease has natural causes. But not all symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. To restore harmony and balance between our spiritual, physical, and emotional selves, energy healers use touch and intention.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can alter mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.
What is alternative medicine called?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. There are many different forms of alternative medicine. Most are based upon the idea that health care should not be dependent on chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine can include acupuncture and herbalism, naturopathy and osteopathic manipulation.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence because most mainstream medical authorities ignore the evidence-based benefits that alternative medicine offers.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
nccih.nih.gov
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
These products can be described as natural, but not necessarily organic. These products could have been grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers. But they were also processed in a way that is safer for your health. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions so you might need to prepare them differently depending on what they are. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
Herbal supplements are usually made from dried plants. Many people prefer to buy herbal supplements in liquid form. This is cheaper. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It’s not guaranteed that the product will retain its original strength. In addition, most herbal supplements don’t undergo quality control testing before being put on store shelves.
Usually, herbs and spices are added to food after it has been cooked. They are often found in condiments such ketchup or mustard, salad dressings and soup mixes.
Supplements are most commonly taken orally, (by mouth). Many vitamins and minerals are available in tablets. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies can be highly dilute substances that are derived from animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic sources. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies can be considered safe and non-toxic. They are used extensively in Europe, Canada and Australia, New Zealand as well as South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. The practice is based upon a traditional Chinese medical theory, which states that there are energy channels through the body through which life force flows. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. It is believed that energy flow can be restored by stimulating specific points along the meridian lines using fine needles. The body then returns to normal operation.
Chiropractors adjust the spine to correct misalignments. American doctor Daniel David Palmer created this technique in 1895. He claimed that he could diagnose illness and cure them by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods involved spinal adjustments, muscle tests, and percussion.
Chiropractic has gained popularity in recent years. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy involves rubbing, kneading, tapping, or stroking muscles, joints, and other body parts. Massage helps loosen tight muscles, reduce tension, and relax sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology can be described as alternative medicine. It involves applying pressure to certain areas on the feet and hands with thumb pads or fingers. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are also therapeutic because their chemical composition can benefit health conditions ranging from headache relief to arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to relieve pain and discomfort. Cranial refers the skull and sacrum, which in Latin means “sac”, is cranial sacral therapy. This therapy uses light pressure to apply pressure to specific areas on the head and neck, shoulders or arms. It also involves moving the hands around the body of the patient.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping therapy can also be combined with moxibustion (burning of herbs) or acupuncture to help detoxify.
Dietary supplements are oral or topical products that contain vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, and fatty acids. The FDA regulates dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1994. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices. That means its ingredients were properly handled at every stage of production.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is the most popular form of electrotherapy. TENS devices deliver low-level electric pulses to the skin using electrodes. These pulses stimulate brain receptors that block pain signaling. There are also electromagnetic therapy options such as magnetic field therapy, interferential current therapy, and ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer is emotional energy. One layer is called emotional energy. Another layer is mental energy. Others include spiritual, psychic, chakras vital, life force prana, Kundalini and biofield as well as quantum fields. Some believe that these energies are connected to the universe at large. Some claim to be able to heal others using only the power of their minds. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of energy medicine remains limited.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Sometimes, it’s considered an alternative therapy to psychotherapy. It focuses less upon past events and more on helping clients alter their present behavior. Energy psychology does require no specific theoretical framework. Instead, it draws upon many disciplines like cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional psychoanalysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis as well as attachment theory and developmental psychology.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Focus on What Really Matters This Holiday Season
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/lifestyle-2/focus-on-what-really-matters-this-thanksgiving/
Published Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:52:50 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is holistic medicine opposite?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They are able to work closely with patients in order to ensure optimal wellness.
They are trained to spot the root causes and prevent future disease. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. Holistic physicians often refer to the whole being as “the Body”.
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may suggest lifestyle and diet changes. He may also recommend meditation or yoga exercises, herbal supplementation, massage or chiropractic treatment, as well as acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
It is an approach to healing that focuses on prevention rather than cure. It encourages people to be informed consumers and actively participate in improving their health.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
To stimulate the flow and energy of qi (energy), Acupuncture uses fine needles that are inserted into specific points in the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health care based on balancing the three humors – air, fire, and water. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine gets its name from the Greek word homoios (similar) and pathos (disease). Homeopaths believe every disease has natural causes. But not all symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on the belief that each person is connected to a universal life force called Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. To restore harmony and balance between our spiritual, physical, and emotional selves, energy healers use touch and intention.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that certain smells can alter mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.
What is alternative medicine called?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. There are many different forms of alternative medicine. Most are based upon the idea that health care should not be dependent on chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine can include acupuncture and herbalism, naturopathy and osteopathic manipulation.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence because most mainstream medical authorities ignore the evidence-based benefits that alternative medicine offers.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
nccih.nih.gov
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
These products can be described as natural, but not necessarily organic. These products could have been grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers. But they were also processed in a way that is safer for your health. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions so you might need to prepare them differently depending on what they are. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
Herbal supplements are usually made from dried plants. Many people prefer to buy herbal supplements in liquid form. This is cheaper. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It’s not guaranteed that the product will retain its original strength. In addition, most herbal supplements don’t undergo quality control testing before being put on store shelves.
Usually, herbs and spices are added to food after it has been cooked. They are often found in condiments such ketchup or mustard, salad dressings and soup mixes.
Supplements are most commonly taken orally, (by mouth). Many vitamins and minerals are available in tablets. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies can be highly dilute substances that are derived from animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic sources. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies can be considered safe and non-toxic. They are used extensively in Europe, Canada and Australia, New Zealand as well as South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. The practice is based upon a traditional Chinese medical theory, which states that there are energy channels through the body through which life force flows. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. It is believed that energy flow can be restored by stimulating specific points along the meridian lines using fine needles. The body then returns to normal operation.
Chiropractors adjust the spine to correct misalignments. American doctor Daniel David Palmer created this technique in 1895. He claimed that he could diagnose illness and cure them by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods involved spinal adjustments, muscle tests, and percussion.
Chiropractic has gained popularity in recent years. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy involves rubbing, kneading, tapping, or stroking muscles, joints, and other body parts. Massage helps loosen tight muscles, reduce tension, and relax sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology can be described as alternative medicine. It involves applying pressure to certain areas on the feet and hands with thumb pads or fingers. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are also therapeutic because their chemical composition can benefit health conditions ranging from headache relief to arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to relieve pain and discomfort. Cranial refers the skull and sacrum, which in Latin means “sac”, is cranial sacral therapy. This therapy uses light pressure to apply pressure to specific areas on the head and neck, shoulders or arms. It also involves moving the hands around the body of the patient.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping therapy can also be combined with moxibustion (burning of herbs) or acupuncture to help detoxify.
Dietary supplements are oral or topical products that contain vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, and fatty acids. The FDA regulates dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1994. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices. That means its ingredients were properly handled at every stage of production.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is the most popular form of electrotherapy. TENS devices deliver low-level electric pulses to the skin using electrodes. These pulses stimulate brain receptors that block pain signaling. There are also electromagnetic therapy options such as magnetic field therapy, interferential current therapy, and ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer is emotional energy. One layer is called emotional energy. Another layer is mental energy. Others include spiritual, psychic, chakras vital, life force prana, Kundalini and biofield as well as quantum fields. Some believe that these energies are connected to the universe at large. Some claim to be able to heal others using only the power of their minds. However, scientific evidence supporting the use of energy medicine remains limited.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Sometimes, it’s considered an alternative therapy to psychotherapy. It focuses less upon past events and more on helping clients alter their present behavior. Energy psychology does require no specific theoretical framework. Instead, it draws upon many disciplines like cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional psychoanalysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis as well as attachment theory and developmental psychology.
