RADIO TRANSCRIPT
November 22, 2022
Brandi Silver

This is Brandi Silver, FCS agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center.  Our program today is about holiday health.

Holly and jolly is sometimes easier said than done during the holiday season.  While holiday cheer surrounds us, family reunions, delicious food and carefully considered gifts can give rise to an incredible amount of stress. Consider these researched based practices to help you stay grounded and present throughout the holiday season.

Set your intention to embrace and enjoy the holiday season as much as you can. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson shows that when we allow ourselves to feel positive emotions, we become more open and sensitive to future positive experiences, bringing us even more of those good feelings in the future.

Time restrictions and financial pressure are often the top stressors during the holiday season. Set a realistic budget using current prices and not a ballpark figure.  Add in a cushion of time when scheduling holiday activities and visits to alleviate stress centered around time management.

Simplify. If tradition includes gift-giving, consider giving the gift of your time by planning to do something together. Research demonstrates consistently that investing in experiences and relationships is better for our overall happiness.

This has been Brandi Silver with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center wishing you a healthy holiday.  For more information, contact us 764-9480.