Stress and the Holiday's
To many the holiday season is a time of gathering, connecting, and sharing time with loved ones. But between preparing meals, keeping the house clean, and searching for the perfect gift, the holiday's can be very stressful time.
For those who have lost a loved one, the holiday's can also be a time of stress and pain.
Another common factor for stress during the holiday's is Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD affects about 5% of the U.S. population. Symptoms of SAD include depression, anxiety, overeating, and difficulty socializing. Less sunlight in the fall and winter affects serotonin levels by lowering them. Lower serotonin levels have been shown to be common with those suffering from SAD, or clinical depression. If you are suffering from prolonged SAD or clinical depression, it is important to talk to your primary doctor and consider treatment.
1. Maintain healthy habits
As the holiday's come closer and the weather cools down, it can be difficult to maintain your daily routine and healthy habits. Be sure to continue daily exercises like walking, stretching and yoga. Keeping healthy snacks around is a great way to fill up before a holiday party, and keeps you in control of your health.
2. Plan ahead
Look at your upcoming holiday events and schedule days or times for shopping, cooking, and general preparation. If you are hosting an event, consider making a dinner menu, asking loved ones for help, and creating boundaries that will help you make the most of the holidays.
3. Use stress management techniques
The holiday season can be full of unplanned surprises, that no amount of preparation can account for. In these moments of holiday chaos, be sure to take time for yourself. Here a few a examples of stress management techniques:
- Meditation and Prayer
- Box Breathing
- Tai Chi
- Exercise- that you enjoy
- Practice self-care
- Find something funny to focus on
For more on stress, and how to manage it, check out my video on Permission to Pause on YouTube.
4. Be realistic
As we get older our families and traditions begin to change. Be open to the possibility that this year's holiday season may not include the same people and activities as they have in years past. For instance, if your family is unable to be with you in person for the holiday's, consider setting up a virtual meeting so you can still enjoy your time with them.
5. Vitamin D
A new study by the University of Georgia has linked low vitamin D levels with a greater risk of developing SAD. Research also shows that Vitamin D can decrease the chance of getting a cold, as well as reduce the duration of common colds. Making this high quality Vitamin D a must have for immune support, and overall health.
Conclusion
By practicing mindfulness, keeping your healthy habits, and ensuring you are getting enough vitamin support, you can keep the holiday blues away.
Like with any recommendation- Please make certain it is right for you and follow the instructions on the bottle and read any caution warnings that may apply to you especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
