DECEMBER 23-29, 2009 UCW 21
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
For many, the days between Thanksgiving and New Year's all too often
become a blur of shopping, cleaning, meal planning and traveling. The holidays
should be a time of fun, excitement, energy and anticipa-
tion, but they may also be marked by stress, unrealistic
expectations, hurried schedules and financial drain; all of
which can take a toll on you.
As the season of joy, holiday parties, family
gatherings and hopes for the New Year is rapidly ap-
proaching, many people experience what might be
called the "holiday blues". Signs of stress, tension and
fatigue can be felt as we try to keep up with the de-
mands of the season.
For some this can also be a time of self-evalu-
ation, loneliness, reflection on past "failures" and
anxiety about an uncertain future. Even people who
do not become depressed can develop other stress
reactions such as headaches, excessive drinking,
over-eating, and difficulty sleeping. For some,
there can be a delayed reaction with post-holiday
letdown after 1 January, the result of emotional
disappointments experienced during the previous
months, as well as physical reactions caused by
excess fatigue and stress.
The following are some tips for managing holi-
day madness and coping with holiday blues:
• Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people.
• Let go of the things you can't control.
• Schedule time in your appointment book to be alone.
• Budget your time and money.
• Take good care of yourself.
• Develop your relaxation skills.
• Prioritize commitments and responsibilities.
• Don't forget to laugh!!
• Above all, adopt an attitude that no matter how things
go, you will make the best of whatever happens and enjoy the
journey, not just the destination.
The National Mental Health Association recommends ad-
ditional strategies to help cope with "holiday blues":
• Remember the holidays do not automatically banish rea-
sons for feeling sad and lonely.
• Do something for someone else.
• Don't be afraid to try something new.
If you are stuck or overwhelmed, you may want to consider
talking to someone who can help. Above all, nurture a positive
view of yourself. Draw on personal skills for handling hardships
in the past, which will help you to meet current challenges. Trust
yourself to make appropriate choices. Maintain healthy lifestyle
choices and reach out to others.
If you would like more information about managing life
stress other work-life issues, or if you are in need of the confiden-
tial services there are a variety of resources available. Fort Bragg
Family Advocacy (910-396-5521), Military One Source (mili-
taryonesource.com or 1-800-342-9647), and Military Family Life
Consultants (910-391-9171/910-489-5528/910-489-8020) are
available - not only during the holidays but throughout
the year. Call to find out how we
can help.
Coping with the Holiday Blues
by STACEY HALE
STACEY HALE, Contributing Writer.
COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222
editor@upandcomingweekly.com
