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TIPS FOR HANDLING HOLIDAY STRESS

by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brent Pyfrom
23 December 2021

Health and Fitness

Restore Readiness
Fort Meade, Md. --

It’s that time of the year again. The season starts to change, the daylight cycle starts to change and then the holidays approach, accompanied by the many commercials. Thanksgiving and Christmas bring family, friends, and financial commitment. The other thing the holiday season brings for those who try to make the best of it is stress.

Ikego Holiday Bash at the Ikego Navy Exchange. The holiday event included free sandwiches and cookies, a gift giveaway, and a Jr. Holiday Cookie Contest. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Ryo Isobe)
Ikego Holiday Bash at the Ikego Navy Exchange. The holiday event included free sandwiches and cookies, a gift giveaway, and a Jr. Holiday Cookie Contest. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Ryo Isobe)
211217-N-JT445-1069
ZUSHI, Japan (Dec. 17, 2021) — Residents of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s (CFAY) Ikego Housing Detachment pose for photos with Santa Claus during the Ikego Holiday Bash at the Ikego Navy Exchange. The holiday event included free sandwiches and cookies, a gift giveaway, and a Jr. Holiday Cookie Contest. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Ryo Isobe)
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Photo By: Ryo Isobe
VIRIN: 211217-N-JT445-1069

Stress is considered good and bad depending on the situation. Good stress makes you excited, and it can make you dive head-first into the holidays. The problem comes when the bad stress catches up with you. Some people handle stress well but for those who don’t --- here are tips to recognize and deal with holiday stress.
If you find yourself in a mental space where you feel crushed by “all of the things you have to get done”, first, slow down and sense out what you’re feeling. According to Healthline.com, symptoms of holiday stress are anxiety, sadness, headaches, body aches, inability to sleep, and irritability. The same source states a few ways to combat these symptoms are getting alone time, getting enough sleep, and getting enough support.


Tricare.mil says recognize your feelings and be realistic. It’s ok to not be jolly but keeping an honest emotional check is important. Some families have been separated due to deployments, financial hardships, and even the pandemic. Easing the overwhelming feeling can be done by planning, putting yourself first, indulging in moderation, and not being afraid to say no, according to Healthline.com. If you take care of yourself first, it’ll be easier to take care of everyone else you’re spending the holiday season with. This is the season to enjoy close relationships and enjoy smiles and cheer. The most important part of it all though --- is you.

Happy Holidays.


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