Tips To Reduce Stress During The Holidays
For Some, It’s Post-Election Blues
By Maya Wheeler
Special to the GPHN
After months of debates, contentious advertisements, and unprecedented political moments, the 2016 election ended in a way that was surprising and upsetting to many people.
Regardless of your political affiliation, most would agree that this election season has been especially divisive — it has disrupted our personal well-being and impacted our relationships with family, friends and coworkers. For many, this conflict will continue into the holidays. According to the Mayo clinic, increased stress may affect an individual’s body, mental health, and behavior contributing to illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Reducing stress around post-election conflict should focus on things within your control such as being prepared on how to handle conversations. Self-control may include deciding whether to:
• Avoid conversation surrounding the election.
• Focus on maintaining a respectful relationship with the individual by not reacting to negative comments; instead thank the person for their input and accept their difference in opinion.
• Redirect the discussion to one that focuses on what is happening in the moment; like the food being served, music being played, activities going on at the event, etc.
Planning ahead enables people to manage conflict in a positive way and avoid unwanted tension and arguments. Disagreement doesn’t feel good and it takes away the importance of why your loved ones, friends, and you came together.
Difficult conversations aren’t the only things that can cause people to experience holiday stress. Unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and excessive commitments can cause stress and anxiety during the holidays. It can take the form of stress caused by but not limited to: The amount of money you spend; overextending yourself; eating and drinking more food and alcohol than usual; and spending too much time with family, or not enough.
It is always good to prepare for holiday stress before it becomes overwhelming. Develop a self-care plan to help maintain your physical, mental or emotional health such as exercising or gardening, reading a book, sewing, etc. Self-care plans can make us feel healthy, relaxed and ready to take on life challenges. In addition, set priorities and realistic expectations. Be aware of what you are eating.
The Dahlia Campus for Health and Well-being, at 3401 Eudora St., can help you to deal with holiday stress. The campus offers a comprehensive array of services and activities that assist in maintaining or developing a self-care plan. Free and low-cost programs offered at the campus can help in relieving stress include Capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, fight, music, and rhythm), Tai Chi and Zumba.
The campus provides other free or low cost services, including Sewall Preschool, Kids In Need of Dentistry Dental Clinic (KIND) and access to fresh produce and healthy protein. To learn more about the services offered, visit mhcd.org/dahlia-campus-for-health-well-being, call 303-300-6140, or stop by the campus on Dec. 6 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a free event to celebrate Mind, Body & Soul at the Day of Well-Being for All.
Maya Wheeler is a community advocate dedicated to improving access to services and information to keep individuals, families and children safe. She provides outreach for the Dahlia campus.