Even for those who love the Christmas season, it’s not always the joyous occasion they plan for; in fact, some get too caught up in planning the perfect holiday and get stressed out over it instead.
Stacy Haas from the Marion County Public Health Department says there are a number of factors which can increase your stress level during the season; anything from financial pressure to conflicts with family members to simple overwork from rushing around can be detrimental to your holiday spirit.
She tells KNIA/KRLS News the best approach to take is to be easy on yourself as you move through the season.
“One of the most important things is take care of yourself; making sure you’re getting enough sleep, watching what you’re eating — that can be stressful at the holidays as there’s all those goodies out in front of you.
“But knowing that…can lead sometimes to stress; so just taking care of yourself in general. And then, identifying what your priorities are, so knowing that you have to set those priorities, set those boundaries with individuals and just kind of being mindful of that,” Haas says.
She also notes there’s no need to make everything perfect for the holiday, and the best way to enjoy it is to be realistic about your expectations, and be grateful for the people and things you have.
