Managing Stress During the Holidays

Feeling some stress in daily life is common, but it doesn't have to control your life. While we can't control feeling concern or worried, we can control how we react. The best way to deal with stress during the holidays or any time of year is to have a strategy to stay calm in the moment and understand what’s causing the stress.

There can be many causes of stress and everyone experiences it in different ways and for different reasons. But there are many stressful things most of us experience, including money and finances, work and personal relationships, health concerns and events going on locally and in the larger world.

Too Much Stress Can Be Harmful To Your Health

Stress can take a toll not just on your mind, but also your body. body, mind. Physical and psychological  symptoms can include:

•    Headaches
•    Stomach pain
•    Insomia
•    Fatigue or having low energy
•    Feeling overwhelmed
•    Anxiety
•    Hopelessness
•    Loneliness
•    A lack of motivation
•    An inability to maintain focus
•    Difficulty controlling emotions

Chronic stress can also weaken your immune system, making your body more prone to catching infections. Symtoms caused by pre-existing conditions can be made worse by stress.

Reducing Stress In Your Life

Many of the side effects of stress such as lack of sleep, lack of focus and muscle pain can be alleviated by getting physical activity. Exercise improves the quality of sleep and releases endorphines that act like natural painkillers, Working out in nature can also help by providing a peaceful environment without the distractions of home or the gym.

Meditation is another effective means of reducing stress and anxiety. By being attentive to the present moment, you’re not focusing on past problems or concerns about the future. By being mindful more often you'll be more alert during daily activities that may trigger stressful feelings and be better able to respond rather than react to situations.

Breathing exercises are another helpful strategy for easing stress and anxiety.  Breathe in for a count of 5, hold for 5, and exhale for 5. Repeat until you start feeling calmer and relaxed.

Turn Off Digital Devices

It's no secret that spending hours on the phone scrolling through social media or the latest can leave you feeling anxious, unfocused and tired. Try to spend time doing activities with friends and family, volunteering and doing tasks that provide more meaningful connections.