For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there’s a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect.
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful
For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there’s a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect.
If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you’re stressed - and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season.
Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
“By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations,” said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.