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published December 11, 2006
Judith Earley
Some of the ways people deal with their stress are less than productive. Overeating, impulse shopping, and even indulging in drugs and alcohol may feel like quick fixes for the underlying problems. But the relief is only temporary and can compound matters later when reality comes crashing down. Granted, stress may be an occupational hazard, but there are some steps anyone can take to minimize its effects.
Take stock of the three most common holiday stress triggers. First of all, how are your relationships going with both family and friends? Increased interpersonal tensions can intensify any turmoil you are already experiencing. If you are with your loved ones, conflicts are inevitable. But on the other hand, if you are separated from the people you love, you may feel especially lonely or sad. The second biggest holiday stressor is finances. While your financial situation can overwhelm you at any time of the year, if you overspend during the holidays—especially if you feel obligated to do certain things—you will be even more stressed out as you try to pay off the bills. Thirdly, the physical demands of running around to shop and fulfill social obligations can drain even the hardiest soul. Exercise and sleep are both good antidotes for stress and fatigue, but you may feel too tired to do the former even though you know you should. Now add to these stressors the demands of studying for law school exams—it's no wonder you are stressed!
Here are some tips from WebMD.com for coping with holiday stress and depression:
Think about what's important. Remember that happiness and fulfillment lie in the balance between self-care and caring for others. Take care of yourself so you won't burn out, so you will be of maximum help to others. That's where you will get maximum fulfillment.
Get involved in a religious faith based in love, and celebrate that faith.
Socialize. If you're feeling lonely, find a church or community center where you can be with other people. Sing carols. See a play.
Gather your support group. Everyone should have someone to talk with about personal problems—whether it's a support group or a friend. Happiness and fulfillment come from doing constructive work and having loving relationships. Be counselors for each other. Commiserate. Don't judge. Just try to help others come up with solutions to problems.
Stay away from booze. Alcohol changes your mood—and it also brings out the worst in people. You can have parties without alcohol or high-fat foods.
Exercise every day. That's especially important when you're eating more. It's hard to be sad if you're physically fit and if you get enough sleep.
Avoid TV. Most is not designed to make you a better person or even feel better.
Don't spend so much. You don't have to buy electronic entertainment equipment that far exceeds the human sensory capability to detect the difference.
Simplify your traditions. Instead of the big family gift exchange, why not exchange amusing and instructive family stories or tell each other how much you have appreciated each other over the years?
Do something useful for your community. Visit people at the nursing home.
Resist the urge to patch up long-standing family problems. This is not the time of year to do that. It's an emotionally charged time. People put a lot of importance on holiday celebrations. It's easier to patch things up when things are less stressful.
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