Lower Your Holiday Stress; 7 Simple Ways to Ease into the Party Season

10/29/2002

From: Anthony Nicoletti, 212-355-0400 E-mail: anicoletti@auletta.com Kimberlee Auletta, 212-355-0400 E-mail: Kimberlee@auletta.com both for the Hospital for Special Surgery

NEW YORK, Oct. 29 -- With Thanksgiving fast approaching and the holiday season just around the corner, it is typical to feel completely stressed out and sick of heading to the mall, battling traffic and planning get-togethers. The hustle and bustle of this time of year can easily wear a person down with all there is to do. The excess stress often takes away from the enjoyment of the holidays, and can often lead to illness.

"Stress can be a contributing factor to exacerbating pain, anxiety and other medical problems," says Dr. Ronald MacKenzie, medical director of the Integrative Care Center at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. "Managing stress is important everyday, but it's especially important to accommodate the increased demands of the holidays appropriately."

Maureen McSweeney, PhD, mind-body specialist at the ICC said, "If you are not careful, the holidays take an emotional toll on the body. Increased stress can have a vast negative impact on your health ranging from increased blood pressure to weakening your immune system, which can cause colds and flu. If you already suffer from an existing medical condition, the tension of holiday stress can heighten the effects of migraine headaches, ulcers and chronic pain. People can recognize increased stress from such factors as nervousness, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep and/or dreaming about what you need to accomplish, becoming argumentative, fatigue, headaches and stomach disorders."

"If you don't manage your stress during the holidays, musculoskeletal conditions can be exacerbated due to over-activity and unhealthy habits," says Lizz van Wilgen, MS PT, a physical therapist at the Integrative Care Center at HSS. "It is important to pace yourself during the holiday season and find ways to ease stress through exercise, meditation and good nutrition, to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Developing better coping mechanisms to respond to both current events and your own personal responsibilities in the coming weeks will greatly increase your level of enjoyment for the holidays. The attached tips from Integrative Care Center specialists can lower your stress index and make the holidays fun again.

Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress -- Set realistic goals. Certainly planning ahead, shopping and making travel plans early and pacing yourself will decrease the last minute anxiety associated with long lines and delays.

-- Don't do it alone. Plan activities with your family that will help turn chores into family activities.

-- Scale down your expectations. Perfection and holiday planning are a bad mix.

-- Manage your time. Think about how much time you have and plan accordingly. Build in time for last minutes changes or crisis.

-- Try to relax. Deep breathing exercises, relaxation tapes, and gentle yoga are often helpful.

-- Exercise. If you are already in a regular exercise program (aerobics, running, swimming, etc.), it is important to keep up the usual routine during the holidays.

-- Pay attention to your own feelings. While flying is typically a less stressful form of travel for long distances, if you have a fear of flying, it is probably better for you to drive to your destination.

HSS' Integrative Care Center provides a wide array of traditional and alternative care treatments for people with arthritis, rheumatology, chronic back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. The Center offers orthopedic and rheumatologic services as well as a full range of physical therapy programs. The alternative care services will include tai chi, yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture and mind body therapy. The staff of the ICC includes internists, rheumatologists, orthopedists, physiatrists, licensed physical therapists, registered dieticians and medical acupuncturists. The alternative care providers currently include massage therapists, a fully certified Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist, a yoga expert, and a mind body therapist. The ICC is located at 635 Madison Avenue (between East 59 and East 60 Streets) 212-224-7900.

Founded in 1863, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is one of the world's leading orthopedic, rheumatologic and rehabilitation specialty hospitals. It is ranked No. 1 in the Northeast in Orthopedics & Rheumatology by U.S. News and World Report. HSS is an academic teaching hospital affiliated with Weill Medical College-Cornell University. The HSS Research Institute in internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. The hospital is located in New York City, http://www.hss.edu.