Holiday Stress This Year and Your Health

A new poll this month revealed that more Americans are feeling stressed in 2022 than last year during the holidays.  But a few tips can help us stay strong and healthy this holiday season.

Key Points

• More Americans (over 30%) report feeling stressed out compared to last year.

• People of all ages are more worried about the costs of holiday gifts and meals. 

• Younger adults are more likely to worry about affording the holidays and discussing politics. 

• A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) was released this month showing that 31% of Americans say they feel more stressed out during this holiday season.  This is up 9% from last year.

• A possible recession and higher prices/inflation make money the biggest concern. On a positive note, more adults feel confident about staying healthy at family gatherings.

• 50% of adults are concerned about paying for holiday gifts and 39% for meals. 
  • Those making less than $50,000/year feel even more stress.
  • Adults are less worried about contracting or spreading COVID-19 (down 10% from last year.)
  • Parents (39%) are more stressed than non-parents (27%.)

• Most adults responded that they are looking forward to meeting friends and family with older adults leading the way.  The breakdown by age is:
  • Adults, 65+:  63%
  • Adults (45-64):  50%
  • Younger Adults (18-44): 36%

Holiday Stress Affects Health

According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. 

The reasons given: lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings.

As APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. reminds us, “We are in a different situation than in 2020 or even 2021, but it’s still important to take precautions and stay home if you are sick.”

Reduce Stress and Stay Healthy

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following tips to reduce holiday stress.

• Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. 

• Stick to a budget. Before you go shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. 

• Plan ahead to avoid last minute scrambling. 

• Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. 

• Don’t abandon healthy habits. Overindulgence only adds to your stress. 

• Limit time on digital devices because the information culture can produce undue stress. 

• Make some time for yourself. 

• Connect with your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.

As APA President Rebecca W. Brendel, M.D., J.D. reminds us, “We can all benefit by enjoying moments that bring meaning and belonging, but those times are different for each of us. It’s also okay to opt out of some or all events if they bring more stress or distress than joy. There is no one right way to spend the holiday time of year.”

Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik