Updated: Jan 24
Not feeling so Merry and Bright during the holidays? You are not alone. “Nearly a quarter of Americans report feeling ‘extreme stress’ come holiday time, according to a poll by the American Psychological Association.
Holiday stress statistics show that up to 69 percent of people are stressed by the feeling of having a ‘lack of time’, 69 percent are stressed by perceiving a ‘lack of money,’ and 51 percent are stressed out by the ‘pressure to give or get gifts’”. These concerns yield serious health and social consequences for individuals if not managed correctly.
Although a modest amount of stress is normal, stress at high levels over a period of time is dangerous to your health and may contribute to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression. Don’t forget, kids are impacted by the change in routines and stress of those supporting them. Therefore, make sure to keep a close eye on your well-being and the well-being of your loved ones during the holidays.
Here is a list of tips that may reduce your stress and lead to a more enjoyable holiday season.
- Look out for your holiday stress triggers. Financial pressures and expectations from family and friends are common triggers. Try not to avoid thinking or dealing with these unrealistic expectations, stress will continue to grow like the elephant in the room if you do! Be aware of unhealthy stress relievers that give a false sense of relief but cause more stress later such as smoking, drinking or eating too much.
- Take care of YOU! Don’t forget that the only way you can care for others is to care for yourself. It’s not SELFISH! When you feel the stress closing in take a minute to listening to calming music, watch a movie, say ‘No’ to something (it’s ok to not do it all!), or take a brief walk to unwind and recharge.
- Make time for your health. In the holiday rush, don’t let your well-being fall by the wayside. Try to stay on your normal sleep schedule, incorporate healthy foods and get regular exercise. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do exactly what you try to do normally just be mindful. If you are supporting children, keeping to their routine will help them not get too overloaded!
- Remember what YOU are celebrating. In the chaos of holiday activities, we sometimes forget what we’re celebrating, so remember to savor the time with the people you care about. If you or others you know are unable to meet in person, use a phone or set up a Zoom call to celebrate and spend time together. It’s important to minimize any feelings of isolation.
- If it feels like you’re not able to get a handle on your stress, talk to your a professional. Support from a therapist is available to help you find other ways to reduce or manage the unhealthy stress in your life so that you can feel better.