Tips to Combat Anxiety During the Holidays

As a registered nurse, I take care of patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions as well as psychological conditions. During the holiday season, psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression can become even more pronounced. Events such as entertaining out-of-town guests, gift shopping, loneliness and holiday decorating can cause anxiety even in those who rarely suffer from it. There are, however, a number of tips and measures that can help you combat anxiety during the holidays.

Watch Your Diet
Many of us have the tendency to overeat, or eat on the fly during the holidays. Poor eating habits can contribute to stress and anxiety by filling you up with empty, nutritionally void calories. Eating a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, lean protein and fiber can enhance the central nervous system to work optimally, resulting in a decrease in anxiety. In addition to eating right to combat anxiety during the holidays, avoiding too much alcohol can help too. Over indulging in alcoholic beverages can cause blood pressure spikes and fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which can both contribute to anxiety.

Learn To Say No
You don't have to feel obligated to accept every social invitation that you receive. Trying to please everyone adds to an increase in anxiety during the holidays. Similarly, taking on extra projects at work and working too many over-time hours can also promote anxiety during the holidays. By leaving some extra time in your social calendar, you'll feel more at ease and able to cope with holiday stress.

Start Moving
Don't wait until after New Year's to embark on an exercise routine. Exercise in a known stress buster, and a regular routine of aerobic exercise can help your body produce endorphins, or "feel-good" chemicals. When your brain produces endorphins, you'll feel happier and less prone to anxiety during the holidays. Regular exercise will also help you manage your weight and burn off extra holiday calories. Taking time to do something healthy for yourself will have a positive impact on your outlook and prepare you to better cope with the holidays.

Talk To Your Doctor
If you find yourself unable to manage anxiety during the holidays, seek help from your doctor. He can recommend ways to help you relieve your symptoms and suggest ways to channel your excess anxiety in a healthy manner.

Be Thankful
Sometimes, during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we sometimes forget to be thankful for the good things in our lives. Being thankful and reflecting on the positive aspects of our lives comforts us and can help reduce the secretion of cortisol, a known stress hormone. Whether you share your thankful thoughts with family and friends, or quietly reflect on them when you're alone, doing so will help you feel grateful, calm and soothe your frazzled nerves.