Stress Less This Christmas

Make time to relax with those you love. That's one of the suggestions from Relationship Services to reduce the stresses of the Christmas season.

"Christmas is a time when relationships are put under enormous strain. People get very tired and are drinking more. We might end up spending time with people we generally try to avoid The reality of Christmas is often very different from the picture we grow up with," said Julie Varney Relationship Services Area Manager for the Top of the South.

In some instances tension turns to violence. Over December and January last year the police attended nearly 11,000 instances of reported family violence in New Zealand.

"When you consider how many children were involved in or affected by call outs in these two months alone, you get an idea of the impact of family violence on New Zealand society."

Relationship Services has produced a tip sheet 'To Have A Merry Christmas'.

"We want people to know that there are simple things they can do to reduce the tensions around Christmas. The tips will help people to stop and think about how they are relating to others, and give them practical tools for changing situations they do not like," Julie said.

Some of the suggestions are: 'Ask for help, offer help, co-operation lightens everyone's load', 'If things get tense, take a deep breath, change the subject or walk away', 'Keep kids out of adult disagreements' 'Take some time just for you this holiday'.

The tip sheet, 'To Have A Merry Christmas', is available from the Relationship Services office in Nelson, telephone 03 548 0904 or 0800 RELATE.

"If people have access to the Internet, I'd really recommend they visit our website, www.relate.org.nz. As well as the tip sheet, there are lots of other great resources on ways to deal with Christmas, and make it more enjoyable for everyone." Julie said.

ENDS

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