Conquer Holiday Stress with Tips from Mahaska Health Partnership
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY— The holiday season is often a time spent celebrating with family and friends. However, along with family fun and traditions can come stress and seasonal depression from holiday demands.
Mahaska Health Partnership Social Worker Alyssa Wright said you may be able to enjoy the holidays more if you minimize seasonal-related stress.
“Your number one priority should be to stack your calendar or daily agenda with restorative routines, such as working out, reading a book, getting a massage or even napping, because this helps you conquer stress ahead of time,” Wright explained.
“Consistently making time to do things that are uplifting and that you enjoy is important because it helps keep your mind at ease. It’s also important to make sure you never let yourself get too busy that you forget to take care of yourself.”
Other tips to help you avoid the holiday blues include:
· Make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
· Know your spending limits. Going over budget is one of the biggest causes of stress during the holiday season. Set a budget and stick to it. Some alternatives include homemade gifts or making a donation to a charity your loved one is passionate about.
· Take time to enjoy the holidays without getting swept up in needing everything to be perfect.
· Make time for yourself. Spending even 15 minutes alone can reduce stress by clearing your mind.
· Continue healthy eating habits
· Try something new. Take a vacation with a friend or family member or find a volunteer opportunity in your community.
“Often times it is the simple things that really make you and your family happy during the holiday season,” Wright explained. “With a little planning and some positive thinking, it is possible to find peace and joy this holiday season”.
According to Wright, it’s important to make sure you seek professional help if you need it. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may find ourselves feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face our routine schedule. If these feelings don’t seem to go away, talk to your primary care provider or a mental health professional. To schedule an appointment, call Behavioral Health Services at 641-672-3159 or the MHP Medical Group at 641-672-3360.
“Remember to focus on what’s important this holiday season. Ensure you are taking the time to care for yourself and enjoy spending time with those you care about,” Wright said.
Social Worker Alyssa Wright is passionate about mental health. Alyssa graduated from Wartburg College in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and will graduate from the University of Iowa in May with her master’s degree in social work. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys running, hunting with her husband, and reading.
