Life can be stressful as it is, but the holiday season brings extra stressors with it. From the financial burdens of gift giving, holiday events, and dealing with family issues, the holidays tend to pile on the stress.
Stress can not only ruin your holiday fun but is also bad for your health. Healthline explains that, “Chronic stress can cause a variety of symptoms and affect your overall well-being. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and insomnia.” The Mayo Clinic suggests the following tips to help prevent stress during the holidays:
- Acknowledge your feelings and understand that it is ok to feel sadness or grief and allow yourself time and permission to express your feelings in your own way.
- Reach out to others for companionship if you are feeling lonely.
- Be realistic about changes that may have occurred in your family and try to adapt.
- Set aside differences with those family members you may have had issues with.
- Set a holiday budget and stick to it.
- Plan holiday activities ahead of time so you do not become overwhelmed.
- Learn to say no to people and situations that make you feel uncomfortable or are overwhelming.
- Stick with your healthy habits.
- Take some time for yourself.
- Seek professional help if you need to.
For mental health referrals or for your annual physical, you may walk-in to any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, or you may schedule an appointment by visiting our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body#1