Tips for a stress-free holiday

We might hold some ideal holiday season in our minds, full of joy and happy families. But the reality isn’t quite like a greeting card. It can be a stressful and emotionally difficult period for many. “Holidays aren’t always happy times for people,” says Cara Fraser, LCSW-R, MPA, administrative director of Behavioral Health at UHS Binghamton General Hospital. “In winter, people withdraw and isolate—the human version of hibernation, really—and because of it, people often report increased loneliness, sadness and depression during the winter months and even more so during the holidays.”

Fortunately, there are ways of reducing stress. Fraser advises the following:

Try to get outside no matter how cold it is during sunlight hours, even if it’s for just 10 to 15 minutes.

• The sun gives us vital Vitamin D, needed to strengthen our immune system, and fight off viruses, which are so prevalent during the colder months.
• Just a few minutes of sunshine can help improve our mood and reduce anxiety and depression. This is something we can suffer from more when there is less daylight.
• A morning dose of sunrays helps us produce more melatonin at night, the hormone which makes us feel sleepy. The more daytime sun we get, the better our sleep at night will be.

Find a new indoor hobby to keep your mind occupied.

• Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing.
• In fact, people with hobbies may be less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression.
• Try something new. Check out classes offered at your local community college, library, or community center. You could: learn a new language, write a short story, cook up a culinary masterpiece or create a work of art in a ceramic’s studio.

Maintain social connections or make new ones.

• People are by nature social creatures. Our relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and community members can have a major impact on our health and well-being.
• Join a social group to connect with others. Being part of a group with shared interests, values, or goals can be rewarding and foster a sense of belonging.
• Around the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities. During this busy season, take time to reach out to friends and loved ones. You never know who might need a “pick me up.”

Reduce social media time. What you see is not always reality.

• Taking time off from social media can provide a refreshing break and benefit mental health.
• If social media leaves you feeling inadequate or disappointed, make a list of all the positive aspects of your life to remind you of what you are grateful for.
• Remember, no one’s life is ever as perfect as it seems on social media. We all deal with stress, self-doubt, and sadness, even if we choose not to share it online.

Focus on the basics—eating well, sleeping well, and exercising.

Focusing on the basics will help you feel better and more grounded to withstand the rush of the holidays.

• Holiday-proof your plan. Find balance between sticking to healthier foods and indulging at holiday parties.
• Get your ZZZ’s. Sleep loss can make it harder to manage your blood sugar, and when you’re sleep deprived, you’ll tend to eat more and prefer high-fat, high-sugar food.
• Keep moving. Being active is your secret holiday weapon; it can help make up for eating more than usual and reduce stress during this most stressful time of year.