{"id":5648,"date":"2022-12-15T16:50:32","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T16:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communitypharmacy.com\/?p=5648"},"modified":"2022-12-15T16:50:32","modified_gmt":"2022-12-15T16:50:32","slug":"how-to-manage-holiday-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communitypharmacy.com\/2022\/12\/how-to-manage-holiday-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Manage Holiday Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the holidays can create festive cheer and fun memories, for many, the last month of the year can be a stressful, challenging time to navigate. Juggling family needs, professional responsibilities, and magical expectations can be difficult for anyone to manage, and often the pressure results in an increased feeling of stress. <\/span><\/p>\n

If this sounds like you, know that you aren\u2019t alone, as a recent survey found that <\/span>88%<\/span><\/a> of Americans consider the holidays to be the most stressful time of the year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The biological roots of the stress response come from <\/span>cortisol<\/span><\/a>, a hormone released by the adrenal glands. Stressful or difficult situations trigger the body to release this powerful hormone, which increases the heart rate and disrupts the natural rhythm of the body\u2019s systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

While you can\u2019t ever hope to outright eliminate all the sources of stress, what we can control is our reaction. In doing so, the harmful effects of stress can be minimized and a happier, healthier, holiday season enjoyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recognize the Signs of Stress<\/b><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s a noticeable difference between being busy and suffering from holiday stress. One of the best ways to combat stressful feelings is to develop an internal awareness that recognizes the telltale <\/span>signs<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some of the physical and mental warning flags of stress:<\/span>
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