Keeping the Holidays Jolly & Bright

Minimizing Stress During the Holidays

While the winter season can be full of holiday cheer, it can also be extremely stressful. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can de-stress and keep your spirits bright during the holidays!

How Stress Affects Your Health

If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic or in a heated debate, the chances are you’ve experienced heightened levels of stress. Although experiencing acute stress every now and then can be relatively harmless, prolonged exposure to your body’s stress response can wreak havoc on your health.

When you feel stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. When your stress becomes chronic, it’s difficult for your hormones to return to a normal level—with these hormones continuing to affect your brain and your body. Chronic stress can cause the following health issues:

• High blood pressure.
• Increased heart rate.
• High cholesterol.
• Heart disease.
• Increased risk for cardiac events.
• Heartburn.
• Acid reflux.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Bowel spasms.
• Esophageal spasms.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Bloating.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Fertility issues.
• Pregnancy complications.
• Irregular menstrual cycle.
• Inability to regulate emotions.
• Impaired decision-making skills.
• Memory problems.
• Trouble concentrating.

Healthy Coping During the Holidays

Some simple ways that you can cope with elevated levels of stress this holiday season include:

• Get some fresh air by taking a walk.
• Try mindfulness meditation.
• Try gratitude journaling.
• Take a break from social media.
• Spend time with loved ones.
• Watch holiday movies.
• Listen to holiday music.
• Catch up on your rest.
• Play board games.
• Read your favorite book.
• Take a hot shower or bath.
• Learn to set healthy boundaries.
• Try progressive muscle relaxation.

Specialty Care in Lancaster, CA

As the only full-service, acute-care hospital in Antelope Valley, Antelope Valley Medical Center is proud to deliver exceptional medical care to the community we serve. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing our patients with heartfelt, compassionate care and medical excellence.

Call (661) 949-5000 or visit our dedicated services page for more information about the offerings at AVMC.