The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few.
Overeating, eating badly or irregularly, overspending and smoking and drinking more alcohol than usual are ineffective at managing stress and could create health problems, raising stress, not lowering it.
“People need to use their stress in order for them to achieve something, but people should not let stress run their lives by having them make unhealthy decisions during the holidays,” said Minnetonka senior Nicole Nipcon.
Seasonal affective disorder can affect this stressful holiday season as well.
According to Mental Health America, studies show that some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which results from being exposed to fewer hours of sunlight as the days grow shorter during the winter months. This has the potential to increase the possibility of depression throughout the holiday season.
“An estimated 10 to 20 percent of people in the U.S. experience a mild form of winter onset SAD, and it seems to be more common in women,” said Hansa Bhargava, a graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.
“People just need to exercise and get out more for just a few minutes to allow the sun to absorb through the body, even if it is a little chilly outside. By doing that it would decrease their stress, depression and anxiety,” said Kathryn Berg, a social worker from the University of Minnesota Medical School- Twin Cities.
The Mayo Clinic has put together a couple of practical tips that can help to further enjoy the holidays without adding stress and depression to this hectic season.
Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone’s name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That will help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
“A number of factors, including unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and too many commitments can cause stress at holiday time,” says Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, a medical author for the WebMD network.
“I feel as if with the current state of the economy, may people could become depressed because they do not have the money to get what they want for people,” said Minnetonka senior Ashley Gogerty.
The American Psychological Association (APA) conducted two online surveys of more than 2,500 people this year and found that respondents’ stress levels spiked in September. In April, 66 percent said that the economy was a source of stress. In September, that number jumped to 80 percent.
“I think that people need to remember what the holidays are really about. It is not about spending as much as you can, but it is about spending time with the people you love,” said OHS junior Alana Sundby.
Do not let the holidays become something to dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can increase during the holidays.
Taylor Peterson is the Layout Chief for The Spartan Speaks.