The holidays are here, and traditionally we think of them as a
time for friends, family and good cheer. But the holidays can
also be a stressful time for both adults and children, says Sandy
Bailey, MSU Extension's family and human development specialist.
"The hustle and bustle of getting ready for family and friends
can cause us to feel rushed and overwhelmed," she says. Changes
in schedules due to holiday parties, children's programs, and
vacations throw families out of their normal routine. Unrealistic
expectations to create the "perfect" holiday cause anxiety. This
stress on top of daily hassles can be overwhelming.
Stress is the pressure from the outside that makes us tense on
the inside. It is the response to real or perceived demands
placed on us, even in so-called positive situations like the
holidays. The level of stress can increase over the holidays if
other situations or life events, called stressors, are
piling up. Recognizing the stressors in your life and managing
your stress can help make the holiday season more enjoyable.
There are different types of stressors that occur throughout our
lives.
- Some stressors are common to most
families, such as the birth of a baby, adding a new family member
through a marriage or the death of an elderly family member.
- Other stressors are common to many but not all families such
as divorce, remarriage or chronic illness.
- Stressors
can originate outside of the family but impact family members,
such as the recent national tragedy or the loss of a job due to
recession.
- Other stressors are from within the family,
such as alcoholism, severe illness and marital discord.
-
Stressors can be short- lived and minor, such as the car breaking
down or a mistake made at work, but when added to other stressors
they can seem out of proportion.
Stress is part of our
everyday life. However, the pile-up of stressors can lead to
crisis if we do not take action to manage our stress. During the
holidays, be aware of the added stress that the season brings.
Here are some ideas on how to manage holiday stress.
- Be realistic: Put the holiday in
perspective and avoid trying to please everyone.
-
Visualize: Think about how you might handle unpleasant family
interactions more positively. Sitting cousin Andrew next to aunt
Sue at the dinner table when they don t talk to one another,
might not be the best idea.
- Exercise: Keep up a
regular routine of exercise or start one if you don t already
exercise. Even walking around the block or taking the stairs at
work can help.
- Use moderation: Don't go
overboard on holiday spending and entertaining. Overspending
during the holidays can lead to added post holiday stress.
- Have a sense of humor: Avoid taking the small things
seriously. A burnt holiday pie doesn't mean the dinner is
ruined.
- Help others: Take time to do something
for someone else. The holidays are a time for giving and doing so
can put your own stresses into perspective.
- Take time
for yourself: Find time in your schedule to slow down and
enjoy family and friends, and yourself.
- Manage the
holiday "hype." If you are feeling overwhelmed by the holiday
season, avoid watching holiday programs on television or
listening to holiday music.
For more information on dealing with stress check out the MSU
Extension publication "50
Stress-Busting ideas for Your Well-Being," or "Taking Care
of Yourself: Replacing Stress with Peace."
--Posted 12/19/01, Suzi Taylor, MSU Communications Services
