Mindfully Manage Your Health
The emotional backlash of holiday stress may be especially detrimental to those with a chronic illness, says Mayo Clinic psychiatrist, Jeffrey P. Staab, MD. “But, it is vital to differentiate between the illness of depression and holiday blues, which is the larger group that can be triggered by increased demands and unrealistic expectations,” he cautions.
In fact, says Staab, psychiatric admission are lowest during the holidays. “The two are very different and require a different approach.”
To avoid the most common stress-induced slump or crash Staab advises:
1. “Manage expectations, be realistic and don't forget to take care of yourself should be your principle strategy,” says Dr. Stabb.
2. “Stick with the things that usually work for you: talking to your spouse, reading a book. Don't forget or abandon what you already know,” he adds.
3. Keep exercising. Dr. Staab stresses the psychological benefits of exercise on one's emotional health. “Not only does exercise boosts serotonin levels, but it breaks a disabled mindset, which can sometimes settle in, especially if it's a new diagnosis or if symptoms have gotten worse,” says Dr. Staab. “Giving up on exercise and all of one's normal stress relievers is the worst thing to do, especially when demands go up.”
The above is an exerpt from Arthritis Today online. The article is "How To Stay Upbeat During The Holidays" by Judy Alexandra DiEdwardo.
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