The holidays are upon us. To most that means good food, good people and extra stress! According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, the top reasons for the extra stress are not enough money, not enough time and the fear of racking up more credit card debt. If you’re feeling the extra stresses this holiday season, keep in mind that you are not alone.
This same poll concluded that holiday stress is a growing concern as 25 percent of Americans are worried that the excess stress could affect their physical health. In order to cope with these stresses over one-third of Americans stated they turn to eating and drinking alcohol. On a positive note, the poll revealed that 45 percent of Americans use exercise to cope with stress, while 44 percent utilize religious and spiritual practices. Most people turn to what they are most familiar with when faced with stressful situations and as such, a common familiar coping strategy involves eating or drinking alcohol.
Rather than resorting to these short-term fixes, here are some healthier and longer-lasting stress-relieving techniques as written in Science Blog Dec 2004.
- Think of holidays as a way to reconnect with people and solidify good relationships
- Keep your holiday task list simple to avoid overwhelming yourself by setting goals that aren't realistic
- Look at stressful situations in a broader context and keep a handle on blowing things out of proportion
- Before a holiday stressor gets the best of you, find out what the underlying cause of the stressful situation is and focus on that
- Don't ignore your own needs and remember to take the time to participate in activities that are meaningful and relaxing to you
By practicing these techniques and taking care of yourself, the mind and body will become stronger and more resilient to stressful situations as they surface throughout the holiday season.
