El Paso County Public Health
By Dr. Paul Mayer, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health
November marks the start of the holiday season, a bustling time filled with vacations and trips to see family, spending time with loved ones near and far away. It’s the month when we celebrate gratitude, often enjoying a meal of thanksgiving. Despite the joy this month brings, for many, the start of the holiday season can bring with it a great deal of stress.
Stress is something we all go through, and typically it’s something our bodies recover from once the stressor has passed. It’s a natural process and one that our bodies naturally navigate without us even noticing. However, it’s those times when those stressors don’t go away or when they are ongoing that can lead to health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and even anxiety.
During this holiday season, it’s important to remember to pause to check in on your stress levels.
Tips on recognizing and managing stress:
- Recognize signs of stress in your body. Oftentimes, stress can show up as headaches, tight muscles, a nervous stomach, difficulty concentrating, feeling fidgety, irritable or withdrawn. If you start to feel any of these symptoms, take a moment to separate yourself from the situation if you can. Try taking a walk, stretching or deep breathing.
- Make time for yourself. Taking time for yourself is an important practice that should be part of your daily routine. If taking time for yourself isn’t something you normally do, start with small changes in your routine. Try to set aside time, even if it’s 15 minutes, to enjoy your favorite hobby.
- Get plenty of rest. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to help you manage your sleep.
- Stay connected. Having friends and family to talk to can be reassuring and calming.
Be mindful of your stress levels this holiday season. For additional information on how to manage stress, visit El Paso County Public Health’s Pikes Peak Rising 360 website for free mental well-being resources at https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/prevention-services/pikes-peak-rising-360/.
