By Sarah Bonato, Reference/Research Librarian, CAMH Library
'Tis the season to be jolly—but the holidays have the potential to be very emotionally straining. Combatting worries and pressures during this year’s sessional celebrations may be important for managing health risks, avoiding the holiday blues and engaging in rewarding holiday activities. *
See below for resources to help avoid an overly stressful holiday session.
“Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Holiday Stress
From the Canadian Psychological Association
- How you cope with stress can make things better or worse. This fact sheet has helpful info on understanding the triggers of holiday stress and the strategies for dealing with stress. Examples of successful coping tactics include ensuring that you have realistic expectations, and pacing yourself during the holiday session.
Access at https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Publications/FactSheets/PsychologyWorksFactSheet_HolidayStress.pdf
7 Ways to Prevent Holiday Stress—For Your Children
From Harvard Health
- This blog provides advice for parents for how to avoid holiday stress for both them and their children. Tips include make time for family rituals, making sure to stay physical active during the holiday, and keeping to sleep and meal routines. Also reminds parents to practice self-care for themselves.
Access at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/7-ways-prevent-holiday-stress-children-2017112812809
10 Tips for Caregivers During the Holidays
From AARP
Three Simple Mindfulness Practices to Manage Holiday Stress, by M. Shattell & A. Johnson (2017)
From Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(12), 2-4.
- This editorial discusses the need for to slooooow down during the holidays in order to be fully present. Three mindfulness practices are suggested--mindful walking, mindful breathing and mindful reflection. A great source for reading about the positive health benefits of mindfulness.
Access at https://www.healio.com/psychiatry/journals/jpn/2017-12-55-12/{a2fc3f63-4c18-455c-a761-5efae89bb9fb}/three-simple-mindfulness-practices-to-manage-holiday-stress
References
Baier, Marjorie. "The 'Holiday Blues' as a Stress Reaction." Perspectives in psychiatric care 24.2 (1987): 64-68.
Kasser, T., & Sheldon, K. M. (2002). What Makes for a Merry Christmas?. Journal of Happiness Studies, 3(4), 313-329.
Mohammad Moman A, Karlsson Sofia, Haddad Jonathan, Cederberg Bj?rn, Jernberg Tomas, Lindahl Bertil et al. Christmas, National Holidays, Sport Events, and Time Factors as Triggers of Acute Myocardial Infarction: SWEDEHEART observational study 1998-2013 BMJ 2018; 363 :k4811
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