MANAGING STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

We hear so much about holiday stress that it can be easy to lose sight of what the
holidays really should be: fun, joyful and a little big magical.

Coping with stress:
Things we look forward to like parties and gifts can come with worries attached. If
you feel stressed out, stop what you’re doing and take a few deep breaths. Some people experience seasonal depression, brought on by shorter days, longer nights,
and cold weather. If you’re feeling down, try going outside and participating in a
seasonal activity like ice skating or caroling. Sunlight and exercise are great mood
lifters.

Stress and your children:
Adults aren’t the only ones who deal with holiday stress. Doreen Duley, Director of
Pastoral Care at Children’s of Alabama, explained children often show symptoms of
stress as irritability and having headaches or stomachaches. “Families need to hear
their children’s concerns and recognize they are having strong feelings and
acknowledge them,” said Dudley, “More than that, parents need to model healthy
behaviors.”

Staying healthy during the holidays:
• Get a flu vaccine and wash your hands often. Family gatherings, airports,
shopping malls, and other places where people congregate during the holidays are all
places where germs can spread.
• Eat healthy. Holiday foods can be high in calories and low in nutrition. Make it
a priority to eat five or more fruits and vegetables a day, and carry an apple so
you always have a healthy snack available.
• Get enough sleep. Getting 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night during the holidays can
strengthen your immune system and give you more energy.

The top thing you can do for your well-being is to get out and have fun. Forget
about your worries for a while, laugh and enjoy yourself. The holidays only come
once a year.
For more information on this, or other health and safety related topics, please
visit our website at www.childrensal.org.