University Communications and Marketing

UW-Stevens Point associate dean offers tips to fight holiday stress

Shopping. Family gatherings. Cleaning. Office parties. Shopping. Concerts. Hosting. Shopping. The expectations and obligations of the holiday season can be overwhelming and stressful.

It’s important to take the steps to manage this stress, said Annie Wetter, an associate dean of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s College of Professional Studies and chair of the School of Health Promotion and Human Development.

“There is no one perfect way to handle stress — it’s all about what works for you,” Wetter said. Whether you read, exercise or just sit quietly for a while, plan for how you’ll fit that in and ask for support from your family and others in your life.

“For example, if you find that taking a half-hour walk helps each day, ask a family member to do the dishes after dinner so you can do that,” she said. “Be open and honest about your needs and listen to others. If you support each other, no one person is overwhelmed.”

When faced with invitations to many events and gatherings, sometimes the best answer is “no,” she said. “If cutting back on events will help you enjoy the holidays more, it’s important to honor that.”

“There are ways to acknowledge your family without the extra stress and expense,” Wetter said. “Communicate that you want to spend the time together, but you can’t do it all at once.” Negotiate between family members to pool events or trade off hosting every other year, she added.

“Talk about it. You might discover others share your feelings, and a solution is mutually beneficial,” Wetter said.

Balance is also a good way to manage stress caused by the worries of overindulging throughout the holidays. Wetter encourages intuitive eating rather than restrictive eating.

“Instead of restricting yourself from certain foods, acknowledge your cravings and give yourself permission to eat the foods you enjoy. If you love chocolate, don’t avoid the truffles at the party. Have one, savor it, and relish the enjoyment,” she said. Studies have shown that restrictive eating can lead to binging and overeating, while those who eat intuitively, without constraints, enjoy more appropriate portions and have healthier eating habits.

If you do overindulge, avoid placing judgments that add to your stress, Wetter said. Rather than continue a negative cycle, remember that it’s not a big deal — a little more exercise will balance it out. Take advantage of how much your family supports your need for stress relief and enjoy a longer walk after dinner.