Marlee Perrin, of Medford,
niece of Memorial Health
Center emergency services
director Scott Perrin
You’re in
holiday overdrive, baking
cookies, running to the mall, then rush-
ing back home in hopes that you’ll arrive
before your out-of-town guests.
Is the gift you want most for yourself a
nap?
Go ahead and treat yourself. After all,
this is supposed to be a season of peace,
not pressure. Carving out some downtime—
whether it’s to recharge with a nap, take a
walk or even play a game with your family—
can make your holidays less stressful. And
by slowing down, you might have more
energy to enjoy those guests.
What else can you do to feel less tense
this holiday season? Try these tips:
Prune your to-do list.
You don’t need to
accept every invitation that comes your way
or try to squeeze every holiday tradition into
one or two days. Too many tasks or com-
mitments can make the holidays seem
like a marathon. Reserve time for what
matters most, and don’t feel obliged to bake
cookies if baking just isn’t your thing.
Lower your expectations a bit.
Say
the word
holiday
and a lot of us imagine
picture-perfect celebrations. Tat’s a
fantasy—and one that is almost certain to
stress you out if you buy into it. It’s really
OK if this year’s tree is a little lopsided or
the brisket burns. Focus on what truly
gives the holidays their meaning: time
spent with loved ones.
Don’t expect family tensions to magi-
cally disappear.
Be realistic about any
strained relationship you might have with a
family member. If the two of you haven’t got-
ten along for the rest of the year, chances
are you won’t click now just because the
holidays are here. One way to cope may be
to limit the time you’re together.
Finally, don’t feel like Scrooge if you
can’t aford pricey presents.
You’re still a
good—and caring—parent if you tell your
child that a toy is too expensive. Give your
son or daughter an afordable present and
the gift of your company.
American Psychological Association; Mental Health America
You don’t need
to accept every
invitation that
comes your way
or try to squeeze
every holiday
tradition into
one or two days.
Stress less
this
holiday season
Reach us
MEMORIAL HEALTH CENTER
135 S. Gibson St.
Medford, WI 54451
Nonproft Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
St. Cloud, MN
Permit No. 2260
Check out our website:
www.memhc.org
Numbers to Know
Call-A-Nurse (toll-free)
877-523-5362
Hospital Main Line
715-748-8100
Medical Center Pharmacy
715-748-5800
or 888-252-9725
Medford Terapy & Fitness
715-748-8112
Memorial Health Center Clinics
Gilman
715-447-8293
Medford
715-748-2121 or 800-553-5408
Phillips
715-339-4035
Prentice
715-428-2521
Rib Lake
715-427-5701
Accepting most commercial insurances and HMOs, including: Security Health Plan/ADVOCARE, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Arise Health Plan, CIGNA Healthcare, WEA, WPS Health, UHC and more.