(KAIR)--The holiday season is in full swing, and many of us are busy planning family events, decorating, and setting out cards. However, all of the fun and festivities can come with a price as many people can succumb to the stress of the holiday season. Cindy Whitmer is the executive director of the All Faiths Counseling Center in Atchison, and she says that while stress can occur year round, the holidays tend to bring it out even more. We tend to set higher expectations for ourselves around the holidays, with some people putting a lot of pressure on themselves to host elaborate family dinners or buy everyone know a gift. She points out that even if we choose a simplistic way to sepnd the holidays, it still adds more onto our already busy lives, which can cause a fair bit of stress.
Whittmer also says that people can show some physical manifestations of holiday stress. They tend to not exercise, eat, or sleep as much, and this can make them more vulnerable to a variety of illnesses. Stress can also effect a person's mood, making them more moody or more likely to take their stress out on others.
There is some hope for those suffering from a bit of holiday stress. Whitmer says that it is perfectly fine to say no to some holiday events and obligations, choosing instead to stay home and take care of yourself and your family.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Public health advisory issued for local lake
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Flood warning issued for Missouri River
LATEST STORIES
Flood warning issued for Missouri River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival coming in June
NW MO bridge repair project delayed
Unemployment dips in April in SE Nebraska
Former KS AG files for Congress
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations