There's no such thing as holiday stress

Published Nov. 26, 2008
By Capt. Scott Maynard and Martina Porter
21st Medical Operations Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Now that I have your attention, please read on. We all work very hard executing the mission whether serving in uniform, as civilian employees, or as family members. We all, therefore, deserve to celebrate the holidays by taking time off, recharging our batteries, and socializing with others. While holidays can be an outstanding way to relax and recharge, they can also be somewhat distressing. According to the Mayo Clinic, holiday stress and "holiday blues" are often the result of three main trigger points that cause holiday stress.

Relationships: Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time. But tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify -- especially if you're all thrust together for several days. Conflicts are bound to arise with so many different personalities, needs and interests. On the other hand, if you're facing the holidays without a loved one, you may find yourself especially lonely or sad. Possible solutions: Be flexible! You can't control how others behave. If alone over the holidays, then volunteer downtown. Google volunteering and you'll find 100s of great opportunities.

Finances: Like your relationships, your financial situation can cause stress at any time of the year. But overspending during the holidays on gifts, travel, food and entertainment can increase stress as you try to make ends meet while ensuring that everyone on your gift list is happy. You may find yourself in a financial spiral that leaves you with more stress than you bargained for. Possible solutions: Budget! Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick to your plan. Avoid charging credit cards.

Physical Demands: The strain of shopping, attending social gatherings and preparing holiday meals can be very taxing. Feeling exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep -- good antidotes for stress and fatigue -- may take a back seat to chores and errands. High demands, stress, lack of exercise, and overindulgence in food and drink -- all are ingredients for holiday illness. Possible solutions: Self-care! Don't neglect exercise and sleep. Delegate chores to others. Eat and drink in moderation.

In speaking of drinking, if you're 21 and older and enjoy alcohol while celebrating, please remember the following:

Make responsible choices: Decide how much alcohol is appropriate for you and then decide how you will help yourself stop at that point. 0-1-1-3 is a good gauge. Know how much alcohol you're drinking! Have a drunk-proof safety plan. Don't wait until you've started drinking to create a plan. The more alcohol we drink the worse our judgment becomes.

Be a good Wingman: Watch out for each other. Care enough to get involved when someone shows signs of drinking too much. How much is too much? When drinkers become rude, inappropriate, aggressive, have slurred speech, become clumsy or just are not themselves--they've had too much. Make sure they make it home safely. Additionally, if you or someone you know is very sad or depressed over the holidays, be a good Wingman. Talk to them. If you believe they need more assistance, then refer them to a chaplain or the mental health clinic.

Avoid ANY alcohol when driving: In Colorado, you can be charged with a DWAI (Driving While Abilities Impaired) for a breath or blood sample of .05 to .079. About 2 bottles of beer = .05! DWAI and the more well-known DUI can result in hefty fines, suspension of driver's license, and negative career impact. More importantly, people could be injured or killed by a drunk driver. Remember to drive defensively during the holidays.

Enjoy the holidays because you deserve it! Take this time to reconnect with friends and family. If you're alone, then get out and volunteer. You might make some new friends. Experience activities this great place has to offer like skiing, snowboarding, or hot springs. And above all, play safe!