Alison Crane, Garland County Extension Service
The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful. Typically, we are on the go more, eat more, and certainly spend more. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating, all of the stuff that has become part of the holiday season can cause us to lose perspective and even find ourselves more frenzied than calm. Typically, this is all on top of our usual busy work and life schedules.
A recent poll by the American Psychological Association found that almost nine in 10 (89%) adults say they have stress over money concerns or missing family during the holiday season. Another cause of holiday stress is anticipating family conflict. This increase in stress is also intertwined with the increase in illness during this time of year.
Whether your goal is to avoid illness or reduce your stress, try some simple tips for managing your holiday stress and being prepared just in case the flu or a cold comes to your house.
First, keep a calendar of all the holiday activities and events planned and write down what is needed for each family member. Having it written down will help you remember everything and keep up with all of the details of what is needed. It will also ensure that if you do get sick, the rest of the household will know what is needed and when.
Second, don't put off seeing the doctor. A little sniffle can quickly become bronchitis or worse. Not waiting until you are totally miserable before seeking medical treatment can shorten your downtime, save money, and prevent the spread of illness.
Next, remind yourself that every holiday does not have to be at the same level of busyness or spending. The rising costs of food and gifts can put a huge strain on your budget, which can increase your stress. Family traditions are wonderful but there really isn't a rule that says you have to do everything, every year, the same way. Change is not always bad.
Finally, keep an "in case of sickness" section in your freezer and keep your pantry stocked. Freeze leftovers or prepare a few easy-to-warm-up casseroles or soups for those times when you are down and unable to prepare your usual meals. Knowing that your family has healthy, easy options or that you can fix something quickly while caring for sick family members can be a huge relief.
While not all stress or illness can be eliminated from the holiday season, steps can be taken to lighten the load. If you or your group would like additional stress management resources or programs, contact the Garland County Extension Service at 501-623-6841 or email [email protected].