As the favorite Christmas song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” but is it? Don’t get me wrong, Most people love the holidays. It’s a chance to get together with families, exchange presents and eat like there’s no tomorrow.
The problem is that for many of these same people, the very things listed above can contribute to stress.
In fact, one recent study by a leading mental health group determined that the most commonly reported stressors during the holidays are concern over finances, memories and emotions concerning relatives who have died and having too many activities going on at once.
Also making the list were concerns over spending time with family, over indulging and concerns about being alone.
Of those who reported additional stress, people of color (specifically Latinos and Native Americans) and women reported the most stress. Parents, as compared to people with no children also reported more stress.
Many of my clients write to me asking me how to help reduce their stress level during the holidays. Many are helped just by recognizing what their stressors are but I was amazed by the number of people who know the stressor, e.g., spending time with family and still don’t know what to do.
For many, avoiding the stress simply isn’t an option. By avoiding family, for example, my clients felt that would create even more stress and tension and the damaging effects would be more long term.
All we have to do is get through the holidays, right? Wrong. Starting January 2, many people report feelings of depression, anxiety, feeling “down and even illness.
Why would this happen after the stressful event(s)? This is because stress, unmanaged, can take a huge toll on one’s mental AND physical health.
What can one do about managing stress? Number one is budget. This is a timely subject, given our current economic crisis. If saving extra for the holidays simply isn’t an option, consider cutting back and getting creative in gift ideas.
Don’t feel you have to purchase for everyone. Perhaps agree with your extended family and friends that you will do a gift swap or only purchase for the children. Many who are likely in a similar situation will be actually be relieved to hear you suggest this.
Don’t feel like you need to be responsible for everything. If you are hosting a meal, don’t be shy about requesting specific food items that others need to bring. Also, why not split up get-togethers so as not to burden one person or family with the responsibility.
Also important is to take time for you, even if only an hour a day. Go for a jog, do yoga, read a book or even take a bath. As long as you are focusing on only you - this is the key.
Attending a holiday gathering specifically for adults is also recommended. The holidays are already so focused on your children, don’t feel guilty about getting away from them for an evening and enjoying yourself as a couple or single.
I also highly recommend my all natural programs to treat a number of common but previously considered incurable conditions (located to the right of my blog page) to help in managing stress. The programs are easy to do but best of all, they work!
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