Now that December is here, there is no denying the fact that the holidays have descended upon us. For some, these days are filled with laughter, good cheer, and extreme excitement. For others however, (usually those older than 11) the holidays can be filled with stress.
Stress is an everyday occurrence for many of those living in the U.S. and its presence on our health is too serious to ignore. A laundry list of ailments and conditions are linked with stress such as ulcers, hypertension, depression, angina, headaches, and even the common cold. These conditions exist because stress transfers a real and negative biological effect on the different systems and organs present in our bodies. The hormone cortisol dramatically increases when we become stressed and high levels of cortisol suppresses our immune system as well as causes other negative effects.
Stress is caused by a variety of factors that are often unique to each individual situation, however stress can be exacerbated if one chooses to cope with stress in any of the following ways.
1. Overeating – Many turn to food when feeling overwhelmed with the world. This tactic falls in line with our instant gratification mentality and fails to realize that once the eating binge is over, the stress will still be present.
2. Smoking - Smokers addiction to nicotine as well as the habit of smoking gives them something to turn their mind from their stress. This again is an instant gratification habit that causes no real stress management.
3. Overspending – Many feel that spending money will make them feel better. In reality accumulating debt is the perfect way to become far more stressed!
4. Dependance on Alcohol – Although the temptation to find meaning in the bottom of a bottle may be strong during the holiday season, no answers have ever been found in over consumption of alcohol.
Obviously, simply avoiding negative forms of stress management is not the whole picture to the story of dealing with stress in a healthy way. Also important is looking at proactive and positive ways of dealing with the holiday jitters to tackle the holidays the way you did when you were a kid.
