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A less than perfect holiday is okay(NC)—There's something about the holidays that makes some people want everything to be perfect. The perfect outfit. The perfect gift. The perfect family meal.Or in the case of others, perfectionism may take the form of a critical self-analysis at the end of the calendar year. Did you invest wisely? Did you win first prize in the annual neighbourhood garden tour? Did your kids get into the gifted program? "There's nothing wrong with setting high goals," says Dr. Brian Cox, Canada Research Chair in Mood and Anxiety Disorders at the University of Manitoba. "But what happens when some of those goals are not met? Feelings of low self-worth and personal failure may be signs of excessive perfectionism. The tendency to experience these feelings indicates a need to re-adjust your expectations to a healthier, more realistic level." The holidays can be a particularly stressful time if you are determined to have things "just so." But there are several ways to curb that stress. "If you're aware of your triggers, you can troubleshoot perfectionism in advance," says Cox. "Planning ahead is wise because you avoid panic situations." Cox also encourages people to avoid absolutes, such as "I should" and "I must," and instead suggests: "It would be nice if… but it won't be the end of the world if I don't." You'll find more information about research supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program at www.chairs.gc.ca. - News Canada About the author: News Canada Circulated by Article Emporium
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