NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
5
Getting Through the Holidays
With a little preparation, you can handle
the upcoming stress
by Jamie Lober, Staff Writer
The holidays can be a stressful
time because people have so many
obligations and opportunities
going on, in addition to their usual
workloads.
“There are 10 evidence-based
ways that people can build their
resilience and protect their mental health during those months,”
said Jill King, associate director of
Mental Health America Northern
Kentucky Southwest Ohio. “At
the holidays there are a lot of extra
expectations, whether it is related to
gift giving, events, activities or the
pressure of finances.”
The first thing you should do is
talk with friends and family. “Have
one or two people that you can be
totally honest with and have open,
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positive communication with
them,” said King.
Next, get moving. “Exercise burns
energy and keeps us healthy. If you
do it for the next two to three days,
your serotonin will increase,” said
King. Most people find walking
enjoyable, even if it’s for just 20 minutes in the morning or afternoon.
Getting enough sleep is the third
suggestion. The fourth is to practi