Alpha-1 Advocacy Alliance - Emotional Support

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Emotions during the Holiday Season

Our mind and body give us clues as to when danger is close. The danger may come from internal or external sources. We feel the pressure of living through the stresses we experience. Holidays can be a very stressful and emotional time even when things are going well.

Since stress is cumulative and draws upon our personal and physical reserves, our resources may become so depleted that we have physical health problems and depression can set in.. While some individuals have higher-than-normal levels of tolerance and can tolerant more stress and anxiety, other people cannot.

Since excessive stress and anxiety can lead to lowered self-esteem and depression, it is important to adjust the negative emotional overload. Here are some tips about how to at least temporarily cope with stress, anxiety and emotional overload of the holidays.

Be flexible. Know what you can change and what you cannot.

Laugh more. Watch a funny movie; tell a joke, read the comics.

Breathe slowly, deeply, and well. Relaxation begins with slow,
deep breathing from your diaphragm.

Learn to say "no". It is hard to say no sometimes,
but recognize you cannot do everything, pace yourself.

Go ahead and make mistakes. No one is perfect. The only way we really learn
is from our mistakes. Accept them as the natural process of growing in wisdom.

Having fun is the natural way of lowering the body's stress hormones:
play... with a lover, a friend, a child, a pet. Stress tenses, and play loosens.

Get active. Exercise brings out the body's endorphins, natural painkillers
and pleasure-producing substances produced inside every one of us.

Eat well and avoid stimulants. A healthy diet makes the body strong
and increases a sense of well-being. Watch those double-lattes. Caffeine
and nicotine put more stress on our musculature and nervous system.

Talk to others. Sharing life's difficulties and problems with another person, whether a co-worker,
friend, spouse, lover, or counselor, allows one to shed the weight of burdens shouldered alone.

Face your difficulties. Problems have a tendency tomount quickly, until there can seem
as many as to be overwhelming. Tackle them one at a time. Set achievable goals.
Your day will seem appreciably lighter after tackling even one dreaded task.

Moreover, use the following acronym “HALT” to help you get through the Holidays with your sanity and physical health. HALT stands for the following: H is a reminder not to get too hungry; (temptation to eat the wrong foods or drink too much can occur); A is a reminder to not become to angry; (perfectionism in getting the perfect gift can be a problem which can lead to frustration and irritability); L is a reminder not to get too lonely; even if you are not close with your family find a supportive network of friends; and finally T is a reminder with all the hurrying around and commitments not to get too tired.

If you suffer from excessive stress and anxiety, you may want to consult with a psychologist or other mental health professional. In my experience, anxiety and stress problems are especially amenable to therapeutic help.

Disclaimer: The information presented on askpat@alpha1advocacy.org is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or to replace your relationship with a physician. For all medical concerns, you should always consult your doctor.

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