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| Psychology News |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katie Crabtree Thomas - 800-783-1983
HOLIDAYS DON’T HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: a season for giving and receiving gifts, spending time with loved ones and feeling the ugly effects of holiday stress by overspending on gifts, overeating on holiday treats and putting too much pressure on having the picture perfect holiday.
“The holidays are stressful for many different reasons for people, but in general, over stimulation. We try to do too much and make it perfect,” said Craig Travis, Ph.D., a psychologist with Mount Carmel Family Medicine Residency in Columbus and board member of the Ohio Psychological Association (OPA). “Especially living in an immediate society of technology, we are conditioned to expect immediate results and gratification and when that doesn’t come because of long lines at the store or limited parking…we get stressed out!”
According to an American Psychological Association survey on holiday stress, money, gift gifting, lack of time, families, diet and children’s issues are the top stressors of the holiday season. In addition, more than one in five survey respondents say they are worried that the holidays will adversely affect their health.
What can one do to help take off the pressure during the holidays?
“Balance is the key to health,” Dr. Travis said. “This is a time of year for giving and helping others but we must take time to care for ourselves as well.”
He recommends the following:
- Eating nutritiously
- Exercising (running through the mall doesn’t count)
- Drinking plenty of water
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Creating a game plan just as sports teams do for game day; planning in advance and thinking things through (from shopping plans, to parties, to who hosts dinner for the holidays); and,
- Keeping important things in perspective.
“The right fad or toy and the perfect gift are not what this season is all about. Be aware of your expectations of your self and others, be empathic and more understanding, practice compassion for yourself and others and focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t or won’t,” Dr. Travis said. “If the holidays get too stressful or you notice it affecting your daily functioning, talk to a psychologist. Anyone can benefit from seeing a psychologist.”
Because the holidays happen every year, it’s best to prepare yourself in advance for this stressful time. “Recognize this IS a stressful time of year, so embrace your humanity. Pause and take time to mentally prepare. Most people don’t do this because they don’t think they have enough time,” said Dr. Travis. “This is a big mistake because then you feel out of control rather than in control over your holiday destiny. Slow down. Plan. Pick shopping days in advance. Put parties on the calendar; choose not to attend some. Say no to some things. Remember attitude is everything, everything is attitude and a little positivity goes a long way!”
The best advice for this season? “Cut yourself some slack…nobody’s perfect and neither are the gifts.”
Located in Columbus, Ohio, The Ohio Psychological Association is a membership organization of approximately 1,600 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.
To speak further with Dr. Travis about holiday stress, please contact him at (614) 234-0379.