The holiday season ads emotions and festivities that may lead to minefields for individuals dealing with stress. Those recovering from substance misuse may face triggers during this time of year more than at any other time.
There are counted stresses to the holiday season due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mary Susan Baggett, with Geriatric Adult Specialty Team (GAST) and Therapeutic Alternatives, Inc. shared some tips on keeping stress at healthy levels this holiday season.
First, it is important to recognize the signs of stress. Some things to watch out for are as follows:
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Lack of energy
- Poor concentration
- Overeating or skipping meals
- Forgetfulness
- Muscle tension/soreness
- Grinding/gritting teeth
- Inability to make decisions
- Inability to sleep, sleepiness, or oversleeping
Bagget distributed cards by Positive Promotions as the November Bladen County Substance Misuse Task Force meeting with tips to manage stress.
Tips to keep stress levels healthy in your body are below.
- Make sleep a priority, eat a well-balanced diet, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.
- Gently stretch your neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs, and feet often.
- Stop to breathe. Inhale slowly to the count of 5. Hold your breath for another five counts. Then exhale through your mouth to the count of five.
To keep your mind healthy, try the following tips.
- Think positively and surround yourself with others who think the same.
- Be patient and kind to yourself, especially when frustrated, sad or anxious. Change negative self-talk and thoughts to positive ones.
- Avoid the trap of demanding too much of yourself. Get help if tasks are too big for you.
Lastly, the spiritual part of a being needs to be healthy as well. Following are some tips for a healthy spirit.
- Maintain a support system of friends and family- keep in touch via phone calls, texts, video conferencing, email, and social media.
- Take time to yourself and do something you enjoy.
- Volunteer or practice random acts of kindness. Research suggests that helping others- even something small like holding open a door- can relieve stress.
Baggett reminds the public, “As always, GAST staff are available to provide free training and to lead informative discussions on mental health, emotional wellbeing, substance misuse, recovery, suicide, crisis prevention, and dementia.”
If you need help, ask for it. Assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week is available. Call 1-800-513-4002.
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