Keep Stress From Ruining the Holidays

The holidays are supposed to bring smiles to our faces.  After all, we have the opportunity to visit with family and friends, and bestowing gifts on the ones we love.  So how come so many people are generally stressed and feel sad during the holidays?

According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes each week.  Those who are predisposed to stress and the various side effects, including depression, panic attacks, physical pain, fatigue, and nervousness, can find themselves even worse off during the holidays.

Many blame the overwhelmed feeling on the seemingly unending list of things that need to get done during the holiday season, and all of this on top of running our own companies or businesses.  From shopping to visiting, to attending holiday functions, some argue that the level of activity can take its toll.

I have noticed over the past several weeks that some of my team members and clients that stress is robbing them of the joy of the holidays.  Managing stress can be handled by short or long term behavioral changes.  We suggest the following stress reducers to help you get through the holidays intact:

• Exercise is an effective stress reducer.  Make the time to engage in physical activities that will get endorphins and mood-boosting chemicals throughout the body.  I try to make it to the gym each morning and I also make very good use of my rebounder or mini-trampoline at intervals during the day.
• Ask for help if you feel that tasks are too much to handle.  Simply having someone around to take care of a chore or two cane make a world of difference.  Reach out and ask! Never assume that somebody else knows that you need a helping hand now and then.
• Know that you are not alone. Many people suffer from stress, particularly during the holiday season. Talking about your situation with others can help let off steam.
• Choose nutritional foods whenever possible.  It may be easier to grab fast food at the mall food court, but that greasy food will undoubtedly do you more harm than good.