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Throughout the year, we feel stress from finances, work/family balance, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, illnesses and time management. Seasonal demands add another layer of pressure that can turn the holidays into a nightmare.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have more interactions with extended family, in-laws and guests than we do in a typical year. Meals and even snacks become feasts. Unhealthy options are the norm.
More preparation, more social activities, less time – especially for exercise, which makes everything worse. Our generous nature propels us to give and give and give. By the time the holidays are over, our mind, body and bank account are simply drained. What happened to the joy? The peace and goodwill?
It’s easy to focus on the negative because stress in our society has become a status symbol. Deadlines. Children’s activities. Volunteering. Social engagements. Projects. An empty calendar is a dirty secret. We feed into it because we’ve become addicted to stress. We thrive on stress and chaos but the tension is terrible for our health. Stress causes additional, short term and long term issues including:
There are plenty of ideas on how to undo the damage caused by stress, but none are more effective than getting to the root of the problem in order to keep it from getting out of control. It may not be easy but it is doable and it’s necessary for your health. Go into the holidays mindful and aware of potential weaknesses by focusing on preemptive stress management.
Behavioral Health Services North, Inc. provides a detailed list of healthful tips.
“Many people find this time of year the most stressful when, in reality, stress permeates their lives all year long. There are various triggers which may accentuate the stressors on our lives and we perceive these few weeks to be the most stressful.
The following are some tips our clinicians have put together to help you realize that you CAN make it through.”
Find the joy again and let there be Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All – and to ourselves!
Pathways to SmartCare is an Employee Wellness Program based in Pittsburgh, PA. We analyze your group and tailor a plan that works best to improve the health of your employees and their families. On the business side, we move your healthcare dollars to wellness dollars, and that means long term improvements in productivity, reduced absenteeism, and overall kudos from your employees.
"So far so good! The screeners are easy to work with and we’ve had great participation."
- Nathaniel G., Account Executive
"They are amazing!! Everything is going so well in Atlanta. Thanks so much!"
- Harietta H.E., Managing Director
"Yes, it was a great event, best one yet. Lots of thanks to your administrative staff for their assistance in bringing it all together nicely. I’m already excited for next year."
- Sam B., Human Resources
733 Washington Road, Suite 102, Pittsburgh, PA 15228