Students going back home for the holidays may experience stress related to family relationships. Dr. James McGuire, who teaches stress management in the USM Center for Community Health, said we need to learn to expect stress, but worry less. Cognitive therapy teaches people how to examine the ways they think and to correct old distorted patterns. Instead of stressing out over long lines at the store, look at a magazine or use the time to plan the rest of your day, he suggested. There is no magic exercise, said McGuire.
Stress management is really life management.
Consider hiring someone to help with housecleaning and decorating. Eels stressed the importance of continuing normal routines as much as possible. Don't eat or drink more than you're accustomed to just because it's the holiday season, he urged. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Routine is especially important for children in the family, said McGuire, as deviations can make children feel less secure.