Surviving holiday stress
The holiday season is upon us. It is a time of decorations and lights, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, and the joy of giving to others. It is also a time to spend with family and give back. The classic Frosty the snowman, Rudolph and the Grinch are on TV. Let’s not forget the Hallmark channel’s seasonal emotional favorites as well. If you haven’t figured out already, for you Holyoke residents, Christmas is a kind of favorite around our house.
While the holidays are filled with joy and happiness, they are also filled with stress for many people. Although the holidays are made for relaxing and spending time with friends and family, for many of us, we feel so many obligations that the holidays can become a burden. There are many of us that can share stories about having to bear with a family member or friend that we only see once a year that you honestly cannot stand or get along with. For others, the holidays are filled with a sense of loss. Remembrance for family members and friends that are no longer with us can bring about emotional stress as well.
Stress from the holiday season — especially during November and December — can manifest in a variety of symptoms for people. Depression and anxiety are more common than you might think. The symptoms include headache, sleep disturbances, fatigue, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, low job satisfaction, muscle aches and appetite changes.
In doing research for this article, I was surprised to find that the rates of suicide decrease during the holidays. It is believed that it is from the family time and the support it generates. There is also a phenomenon called seasonal depressive disorder for some people. I first encountered this when I worked in Alaska. It is because of the long Alaskan winters many people fall into a depression because of the isolation and decreased activity.
So what can you do to combat the stress of the holidays? You can improve your mood and fight stress by practicing self-care during the holidays. Here are some ways you can do that below:
Embrace the season and do something for someone else. Anonymously pay for someone’s meal, volunteer at a homeless shelter, or serve a Christmas dinner to less fortunate families and individuals. If you can afford it, make someone’s Christmas who can’t afford it and adopt a less fortunate family or child.
Stay active. According to Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise can provide immediate boost similar to the effects of an antidepressant medication. We have no problems staying active during the spring and summer. However, because of the cold season and early evenings, we tend to not stay as active during the winter. Consider getting a membership to your local gym, and begin creating a better you. Exercise is so important for the body. It is a very effective way to combat stress and mood. There is nothing like taking out your frustrations on the treadmill, elliptical machine or even a punching bag. In addition, exercise can help you lose weight and prevent other potential effects of living a sedentary lifestyle.
The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.