Coping with Holiday Stress — Page 3

Set goals to manage holiday stress

Stress can make you feel overwhelmed and helpless, especially during a time of year when you have to balance competing demands from work, family, and social events. The National Institute of Mental Health recommends setting clear goals for your holiday season to cope with stressors.

Studies have linked setting goals to fewer depressive symptoms and lower levels of stress. Identify concrete goals helps you create a feeling of control over the hectic pace of the holiday season. Goals help you manage your time, identify your priorities, and say “no” to things that are less important to you.

Lower stress levels with quality sleep

Travel, holiday parties, and family events can disrupt your normal routine, but you shouldn’t allow them to disrupt your sleep habits. Getting high-quality sleep is linked to lower stress levels, while disturbed sleep is associated with higher levels of chronic stress.

Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. The CDC advises avoiding electronic devices, alcohol, caffeine, and large meals before bed to improve your quality of sleep.

Children especially need the familiarity of routine. If you have children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sticking to their normal eating and sleeping schedules as much as possible. That will protect their mental health and improve their moods, which will reduce your stress levels.

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