Stress Management for the Holiday Season

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time of the year. Yet for many people, the holidays are often a time of stress which can ruin what is suppose to be the most wonderful time of the year. Common symptoms of stress are insomnia, irritability, muscle aches and tension, and feelings of anxiety. Untreated stress contributes to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, depression and diabetes.

How you deal with stress can affect your family and your overall well-being so how can you manage your stress and enjoy your holidays? It is nearly impossible to eliminate all holiday-related stress, but there are ways you can manage it:
  

• Develop realistic expectations; let go of perfectionism
• Manage your time, plan ahead
• Stay within your budget
• Take care of yourself; maintain a healthy diet, exercise, get plenty of sleep and limit your alcohol consumption
• Watch for stress signs: stomach problems, headaches, insomnia, hypertension, excessive eating/drinking and anxiety
• Say no, take on only as much as you feel you can handle, and that you have time for
• Make some time for yourself; breath, relax and have some fun
• Seek professional help if you need it. If you have persistent anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping or if you have low moods that last for several days please contact us at the Center for "solutions not talk."