Ask Dr. M: How To Manage Holiday Stress

How can I better manage my stress around the holidays?

By Michael Kowalski, A.P., Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM)
@ Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center, Jacksonville, FL

The holidays are a joyous time of year for most people, a time to gather and celebrate with loved ones. But holidays are also a more stressful time of year for many. As folks make holiday preparations, all those extra “to do’s” make for extra busy-ness. While holiday hustle and bustle can be a “good” type of stress, it is still stressful.

Besides being an extra busy season, the holidays can be a time of mixed emotions for many people. For those who have lost loved ones, the holidays can be an empty time of year. For those who don’t have anyone to celebrate with, the holidays can be a lonely season. For those less fortunate, the holidays can be a financial strain. And for many people, the original spirit of the holidays has become overshadowed by the commercialization of the season.

The key to dealing with the many different types of holiday stress is to maintain a positive attitude. This can be easier said than done, so I offer some tips here to help.

• Breathe. Taking a few slow, deep breaths helps to relax and let go of stress.
• Focus on what you are grateful for. A grateful heart is a happy heart.
• Reach out to someone you care about. Heartfelt connection cures loneliness.
• Share about your stress. It helps to talk about it with someone who listens.
• Do something nice for someone else. Helping others makes us feel better.
• Do what makes you happy. Taking care of yourself is not only good for you; it prepares you to better take care of others.
• Use whatever challenges life brings to you as “stepping stones” to lift yourself higher.

Receiving a Five Element acupuncture treatment is another great tip for holiday stress. At the Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center in Jacksonville, we specialize in this holistic style of acupuncture. Five Element acupuncture treats a wide variety of physical health issues. It also balances your emotions, and improves your mental outlook. So treat yourself to a balancing treatment this holiday season by calling our office at (904) 296-9545.

Above all, please be patient with yourself as you begin to use these stress-reducing tips. It takes practice to become a good stress manager. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again!