SE Valley Times

The holiday season, often associated with joy and celebration, can also be a significant source of stress for many individuals. A survey by the American Psychological Association indicates that nearly 90% of adults experience holiday-related stress, with 43% reporting it affects their enjoyment of the season. For students seeking relaxation after classes, this stress can feel overwhelming due to financial concerns, travel issues, or family tensions.

Dr. Melanie Abts from Rio Salado College suggests planning as a key strategy to manage holiday stress. "Being prepared for uncomfortable situations allows us to identify circumstances that are beyond our control and keep things in perspective," she advises. Dr. Abts recommends anticipating potential challenges such as air travel disruptions and preparing accordingly.

Financial strain is another common stressor during the holidays. To alleviate this burden, Dr. Abts proposes setting aside money throughout the year and budgeting carefully during the holiday months. She warns against over-reliance on credit cards to avoid future financial stress and advises vigilance against scams prevalent during this time.

Family gatherings can also become tense due to sensitive topics or past conflicts resurfacing. Dr. Abts encourages planning responses to potentially uncomfortable conversations: "You can’t change other people. You can only change yourself and your reactions." Limiting exposure to challenging relatives and steering conversations towards neutral topics may help maintain harmony.

Finally, Dr. Abts emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries: “It’s important during these times to identify what’s important to you and cut out absolutely everything else.” She reminds individuals not to overextend themselves by taking on unnecessary tasks or commitments during the holidays.