The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time, however, according to the Mayo Clinic, the holidays cause a lot of stress with all the added responsibilities like attending parties, shopping, baking, cleaning, and entertaining. It can be very demanding of our time with our already busy lives and it can negatively affect our health.
Stress, and for some of us depression, can make the holiday season feel more like a burden than the celebratory and reflective occasion that we all hope to enjoy. When you feel that stress is getting out of control, doctors often advise to take a step back and regroup. If it is possible, it is important to try and prevent it in the first place. The Mayo Clinic and WebMD have some suggestions to help you manage your health, and particularly stress, during this holiday season:
- Recognizing your feelings – Do not suppress feelings of sadness, grief, or even anger; Let your feelings be known and have a good cry if needed. Forcing yourself to be happy is not healthy and could ruin memories of this special time of year.
- Reach out – Look to others for support and companionship if you feel lonely or isolated. By seeking out social and community events or volunteering in the community, your spirits may be lifted. You may also make a new friend or two.
- Be realistic – Holiday celebrations do not have to be perfect or like previous years. Families grow, plans change and things happen. Try to create new traditions and find time to cherish the past traditions and memories.
- Set aside differences – With the multitude of personalities within a family, gathering everyone together can be stressful. During this joyous time, try to put grievances away and accept the people around you for who they are—they are your family. Keep any disagreement or discussion to after the New Year when the stress of the holidays subsides.
- Know your spending limits – The holidays are not about the presents you buy, but about friends and family. By sticking to a budget you can make sure that holiday spending does not cause stress, especially when the bill comes in.
- Plan ahead and be organized – Schedule your time to make sure you have plenty of days for the things you want to accomplish (e.g., shopping, baking, and visiting friends) and to help prevent last-minute scrambles. Also, keeping your regular sleep, meal, and exercise schedule will help you deal with the stress.
- Say no – You do not have to participate in every project or activity. Say no when time doesn’t allow for it.
- Stick with your health habits – Don’t overindulge yourself in food and drink, or burn the candle at both ends, you may regret it later.
- Take a break – Remember to make some time for yourself even if it is only a few minutes. Taking time can refresh you enough to handle the stress that may be coming your way.
If you feel that stress, sadness or anxiousness persists, and you feel overwhelmed, please talk to your doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible.
If you feel that stress, sadness or anxiousness persists, and you feel overwhelmed, please talk to your doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible.
Danella, like many companies, has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing employees with access to mental health professionals. These individuals are available to talk, can help you manage what you are feeling, and aid you through a tough time. These services are confidential. For information about the Danella EAP, please call 610-828-6200 and ask for the Benefits Administrator.
Danella, like many companies, has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing employees with access to mental health professionals. These individuals are available to talk, can help you manage what you are feeling, and aid you through a tough time. These services are confidential. For information about the Danella EAP, please call 610-828-6200 and ask for the Benefits Administrator.
We at Danella wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and memories to last a lifetime.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD