Celebrating the Holiday Season - The Healthy Way
As the holiday season approaches, many people anticipate times of
happiness, good cheer, and excitement shared with friends and family. However, the
holidays also can bring feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Following are
some causes that can trigger holiday stress.
- Remembering past losses
- Trying to accomplish too much
- Feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Financial difficulties
- Unrealistically high expectations
- Currently feeling, or anticipating, a significant loss
- Comparing your past life with your current situation
Coping with Holiday Stress
Here are some ways that you can battle your stress during the holiday season.
- Try to eat and drink in moderation. It's easy to find yourself eating more then
you normally would because of the abundance of food. Try to keep your portions small,
and avoid some of the richer desserts. You should also consider watching how much
alcohol you may use, as excessive alcohol use can increase feelings of depression.
- Don't isolate yourself. If you're alone on the holidays, find ways to keep
yourself busy. Try inviting others to get together or volunteer for a worthy cause
so you can experience the power of giving.
- Make time for regular exercise. If you already exercise, try to keep your regular
schedule despite the chaos of the holiday season. If you don't exercise, try including
some light exercise into your daily routine - even a short walk with a friend can help
reduce stress and increase your mood.
- Remember lost loved ones through positive memories. By focusing on positive memories,
you can make these remembrances part of your family traditions.
- Take a good look at your holiday traditions. Are there any traditions or activities
that can be modified? Complicated meals and elaborate gift giving can raise your stress
and anxiety levels. Consider simplifying your meals and celebrations.
- Don't expect a perfect holiday. Unrealistic expectations for holidays can add to your stress level.
- Find time to relax - even if only for a short period of time. Take time to get away
from the extra chaos the holidays often generate by taking a nap, reading a book, or going
for a walk.
- Plan ahead. By planning ahead and not waiting until the last minute to finish your
holiday preparations, you can save both time and money. Also, try making some fun plans
for after the holidays to reduce the effects of a possible post-holiday let down.
If you are feeling down or stressed, give some of these self-help strategies a try. It's important
to remember, however, that if you feel down for more than a few weeks, or if you are experiencing
changes in sleeping or eating patterns, talk to your health care provider.
This material is provided by CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc. for informational/educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical/clinical
advice. Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information about your behavioral health benefits,
you can call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your healthcare identification card.
