Take Control of Holiday Stress
Understand the causes and signs of stress
Between juggling family, work, and global news, it's okay to feel stressed. Holidays can add even more pressure to our already stressful lives. No matter the stress level you feel, learning to manage it can help you live a more peaceful and healthier life. Managing your stress takes practice, but you can do it.
Here are some steps to take to better understand and manage stress.
Find the causes of your stress
Things that bring stress are called stressors. They can be everyday events, like driving in traffic; disruptions to your routine, like holiday celebrations; or life changes, like moving or changing jobs. Once you learn what your stressors are, you can develop a plan for dealing with them.
Learn about the causes of stress on the Veterans Health Library website
Know the signs
The next step is recognizing how you respond to stress. Some common responses are:
Difficulty sleeping
Increased alcohol and other substance use
Being easily angered
Feeling depressed
Sometimes we don't even realize how our actions may change when stressed. That's why it's a good idea to start using a stress tracker. You can use this Manage Stress Workbook to track what patterns you may have or how you typically respond to stress. It helps you identify stressors and their effects on your health. It also gives helpful tools and practices to help you manage your stress.
Stay connected
Find small ways to connect with people. Don't let stress keep you from video chatting or just telephoning friends and family. Taking a break from watching the news or being on social media may help you decompress while connecting with the people around you. It's good to have balance in your life so that you don't start to feel overwhelmed. Reaching out in your social circles can keep you on track.
Talk to your doctor
It can be hard to admit when you're feeling stressed. Especially if it's related to something positive, like holiday festivities. But if you're uncomfortable, let your doctor know. You can start the conversation about new or existing problems. Send your health care provider a Secure Message to start the conversation.
Learn more about Secure Messaging
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