Holiday Stress
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:03PM
The holiday season is a time of merriment and fun. But for many, the holidays can become a stressful and depressing period. Many people dread the holiday season and look forward to its passing. Do you suffer from holiday stress? Read on…
I thought the holidays were supposed to be joyous. Why am I stressed out?
The holidays are a joyous time. But there are also many factors that come together during this time of year that can cause undue stress. Over-commercialization, financial hardships, perceived expectations, and the inability to be with loved ones can make the holiday season particularly stressful. The demands of the season, such as holiday parties, shopping for gifts, house guests and traveling can also add to the burden. Some people seem to take the holidays in stride, never worrying about a single detail. But for many others, the stress of the holidays becomes overwhelming, leading to feelings of resentment, disappointment, anxiety, and loneliness
What are the signs of holiday stress?
Stress can affect people in different ways, causing emotional, physical, behavioral symptoms, or a combination of all three. The emotional signs of stress include fear, guilt, grief, anger, panic, depression, apathy, emotional numbness, self-depreciation, and mood swings. Physical symptoms may mimic the symptoms of other illnesses. They may include digestive disorders (diarrhea or constipation), increased heart rate, nausea, headache, vomiting, shaking, sleep disorders (insomnia), changes in appetite, fatigue, dry mouth, sweating, itching, dizziness, and shortness of breath. People may also respond to holiday stress with behavioral responses such as substance abuse, aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, hyperactivity, jumpiness, loss of sexual desire and function, flashbacks, and otherwise reckless behavior.
What can I do to prevent holiday stress?
Keep your holiday expectations reasonable
It always seems like there is so much to see and do during the holidays. But no matter how much you try, it’s impossible to do it all. You simply cannot attend every party, make every gift, and organize every event. Slow down. Organize your time. And be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
Stay flexible
Some people feel that the chores and duties of the holidays are set in stone. Just because you decorated your house with all of the trimmings last year, does not mean it has to happen again this year. Try putting out just a few simple decorations that are meaningful to your family. And if you can’t host the big work holiday party this year, like you have in the past, offer to help find a suitable restaurant or club that can. Don’t get boxed into a routine that has ceased to be enjoyable.
Spread out the joy.
The holidays are a fun season of decorating, cooking, eating, visiting, and merriment. Don’t put all of your focus on one day (e.g. Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day). Instead, spread out your fun by enjoying all of the happiness that leads up to the big days. That way, if Thanksgiving Day, itself, is a little disappointing due to the weather or family disputes, you won’t feel as though the holidays were a complete disaster.
Try something new
Celebrate the holidays in a new way. If it’s too difficult or stressful to buy presents for all of your co-workers, try a “Secret Santa” approach instead, where you draw names from a hat and purchase just one gift for that person.
How can I cope with stress during the holidays?
Make time for yourself
If you know the holidays will be a particularly stressful time for you, make sure to plan an activity that you can really look forward to. Schedule a massage, carve out a day to have coffee with a friend, or “hide away” while you curl up with a good book. Recharge your batteries so that you can enjoy the holidays to the fullest.
Focus on other people
The holidays are a great time to show your holiday spirit by doing something for someone else. Volunteer at the local food pantry, help an elderly neighbor wrap gifts or write cards, or deliver gifts to needy families. Focusing on other people during the holidays can help you put your own life and stresses into perspective.
Stay connected
Reach out to supportive friends and family members if you start to feel overwhelmed by holiday stress. Call an old friend or plan a visit with your favorite cousin. And don’t forget to reach out to your spouse and children for help. Your kids will likely be more than happy to help you wrap Christmas presents…so what if the presentation is a little lumpy; it’s all part of what makes this season beautiful.
Brush off the guilt
Unfortunately, the joys of the holiday season can also bring tremendous feelings of guilt. Guilt over eating too much, spending too much, or not making the nicest presents, can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. Remember, the holidays are a time for celebrating. Guilt is a waste of your precious energy. Enjoy yourself, make time for yourself and your loved ones, and worry about the extra calories later!
My theory on the cause of depression, stress and anxiety is the lack of exercise, poor diet, excessive caffeine intake, dehydration, fluorescent lighting, radiation from cell phones and computers, alcohol consumption, refined sugar, white flour, MSG, nutritional deficiencies and not enough personal relaxation time.
For more information on Dr. Group or coping with stress, anxiety or depression naturally, using drug free methods go to www.stress-anxiety-depression.org or www.ghchealth.com. We also have a forum where you can interact and ask questions regarding your condition.
