THURSDAY, Nov. 23, 2006 (HealthDay News) -- For many people, stress, exhaustion and depression are as much a part of the holiday season as turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
"There are media images of attractive friends and family gathering for the holidays. They all look like they are having more fun than you," Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, research associate professor of psychology, Family Research Learning Center, University of New Hampshire, said in a prepared statement.
"This can breed a sense of discontent about your life," she added. "Is it any wonder that many people feel seriously depressed at this time of year?"
Kendall-Tackett offered some suggestions on how to keep stress at bay during the holidays.
First, she said, have realistic expectations: "We shouldn't expect week upon week of unending happiness during the holidays. There will be ups and downs just like during the rest of the year. Nor should we expect our homes, families and ourselves to look and behave like the mythic creatures on television and in magazines."
Reach out to other people: "In attempting to keep up with our long list of 'shoulds,' it's very easy to get focused only on ourselves or the needs of our immediate families. You may come away from the holidays feeling like you haven't 'measured up.' Sometimes the best antidote for this self-focus is reaching out to someone who truly has less."
Make decisions about which holiday activities/rituals you want to participate in: "Be honest with yourself. Do you really enjoy baking? Or holiday cards? Or matching outfits for everyone? Or home decorations that look like Martha Stewart is stopping by? If your answer is yes, then by all means continue. If the answer is no, then think about dropping the activities you don't like, or assigning them to someone else."
Take care of your body: Kendall-Tackett suggests that you don't eat or drink too much. Get enough sleep and exercise.
"It is possible for us to get through the holidays with a sense of sanity and balance. Let's all resolve to make conscious choices about how much we want to do this year. Everyone in our lives will notice a difference. And, maybe this year, the holidays can be fun," Kendall-Tackett added.
More information
Mental Health America has more about holiday stress and depression.
