Tips for managing stress during the festive season
Navigating stress during the festive season is crucial as it can manifest in many different ways according to the individual. Knowing the signs of stress and having tried and tested strategies can mean the difference between dreading and enjoying the festive season. Here's a rundown of typical signs and symptoms to watch for:
Physical Symptoms
Stress often triggers physical manifestations like headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, chest discomfort, and sleep disturbances.
Emotional Symptoms
It can significantly impact emotions, leading to anxiety, irritability, anger, depression, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
Cognitive Symptoms
Stress can hamper cognitive abilities, affecting concentration, memory retention, and decision-making processes.
Behavioural Symptoms
Observable changes might include alterations in appetite, increased reliance on alcohol or drugs, withdrawing socially, and disruptions in sleep patterns.
Health Implications
Chronic stress can exacerbate or contribute to various health issues like hypertension, cardiovascular problems, and gastrointestinal disorders.
It's pivotal to recognise these signs early and implement effective stress management strategies. Consider incorporating these approaches:
Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation aid in stress reduction. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the festive season and forget to take time out to relax.
Exercise: Regular physical activity is a potent stress reliever. It releases endorphins, boosting mood and alleviating anxiety. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, dark mornings and evenings make it more difficult to get outside in nature and exercise.
Self-Care Priority: Prioritise self-care by ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and carving out time for activities that bring joy. The festive season often comes with more socialising so be sure not to burn the candle at both ends.
Social Connection: Seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Social connections can be instrumental in combating stress.
Realistic Goal Setting: Set achievable goals to prevent undue stress and disappointment. Unrealistic goals can exacerbate pressure.
Learn to Decline: Saying no to additional responsibilities might be challenging, but it's crucial to prioritise personal needs and avoid overwhelming oneself. It can be all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of events that occur around the festive season, you don’t need to say yes to them all. Consider which ones are most beneficial to you and which ones are likely to drain you of your energy.
Nutrition for Emotional Well-being: Certain foods like dark chocolate, avocado, berries, fatty fish, leafy greens, select nuts, and herbal teas are believed to mitigate stress. While helpful, these shouldn't be the sole means of stress management. The festive season invariably brings a change in our usual diet, being mindful of what we consume, and actioning moderation will help reduce the ‘stress’ load on our digestive system and mitigate stress through over-indulgence.
Remember, managing stress is a journey requiring patience and persistence. If struggling, seeking professional help is always an option. Incorporating stress management into the festive season can ensure a healthier, more enjoyable festive period for all.