STRESS, DEPRESSION
AND THE HOLIDAYS, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The holiday time from Thanksgiving to New Years can be a
time of spiritual reflection, reconnecting with friends, going to parties and
celebrating, cooking and shopping. Even though these are enjoyable activities, they can increase
our stress as we try to fit them into our already busy schedules. On top of increased time commitments,
we also deal with financial concerns, the pressures of gift giving, over
commercialization and difficult family relationships. In some people, this stress combined with loneliness and/or
unhappy memories from past holidays can trigger “the holiday blues”.
With some planning and forethought, you can enjoy the true
spirit of the holiday season. Here
are some suggestions to help handle the stress and hopefully ward off the
“holiday blues”.
- Manage
your finances – A recent survey
found that a lack of money was the number one cause of holiday
stress. Buy gifts that are
within your means. The
thought behind the gift means much more than the price tag. Keep your credit card balance
under control. The stress of
a huge credit card bill in January can take away from enjoying your
holiday activities.
- Set
realistic expectations – Don’t
expect perfection. Your
holiday cards may not arrive until the New Year and there may be a family
argument, but don’t dwell on what went wrong, move on to the positive
things that are happening.
- Prioritize
- Reflect on what is most important
to you about the holiday season and spend your time accordingly. If you love to be involved in
church activities but hate to shop, make your purchases online so you have
more time to do what is meaningful for you.
- Be
present – A natural part of
this season is to reflect on past holiday memories. There is a place for this, but
keep your attention focused on the here and now as much as possible. Be fully present to what is
happening around you. Don’t
lose the joy of this holiday season by remaining stuck in the past.
- Do
something for someone else –
Help others who are less fortunate than you. Instead of exchanging gifts with your friends, make a
group donation to a cause that is meaningful to you or make a commitment
to volunteer the coming year in an organization in your community.
- Spend
time with people who are supportive, caring and fun! – This time of year can be draining,
especially if we are around people who are negative and demanding. Chose with care who you spend
holiday time with.
- Get
a good night’s sleep – With the
added demands during this time of year, a good night’s sleep remains
important. Strive for 7-8
hours of sleep each night.
- Don’t
neglect your exercise routine –
Now more than ever you need to continue to exercise regularly to help
manage your stress and to maintain your weight. Try to schedule your work-outs first thing in the day
before other obligations interfere.
If you have to miss a work-out, burn some extra calories by taking
the stairs at work or parking far away from the mall entrance when
shopping.
- Maintain
healthy eating habits – There
are lots of culinary temptations this time of year. Go ahead and have the treats you
enjoy, but remember moderation.
Your most intense taste satisfaction comes with the first few
bites, so relish them and stop before you are too full.
- Schedule
quiet time for yourself – Make
sure you have opportunities for prayer, meditation or journaling. These quiet activities alone will
give you some time for just being, instead of doing.
- Seek
professional help if you need it –
In spite of your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling sad and
anxious, unable to sleep, crying more than usual, having feelings of
hopelessness and unable to go about your normal routine. If these symptoms last more than 2
weeks you may have depression and could benefit from talking with your
physician or a mental health professional.
Heather Brewer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in
private practice with Human Service Associates. She can be reached at 570-8887 or hcbrewer@earthlink.net.
|
