Health Highlights | Don't talk turkey around the holidays
Key Takeaways:
- Nearly 90% of people feel stress during the holiday season.
- Stress factors include finances, health issues and election results.
- Set ground rules with friends and family about topics that are off limits during holiday gatherings.
It's holiday season – and families across the country are gathering to break bread, exchange gifts and hopefully enjoy each other's company.
But the holiday season can also be a time that heightens unwanted stress.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) – nearly 90% of people feel some stress during the holidays for several reasons. Finances, the death of a loved one and potentially family conflict.
This year could be especially tough given the recent presidential election. APA research found the election was a major stress point for 69% of people who responded.
Before coming together this year, Therasa Yehling says families should have a plan. Yehling is the manager of OSF Strive's Trauma Recovery Center in Rockford, Illinois and a licensed social worker.
“Let's talk about fun things. Let's talk about how your kids are doing, how your parents are doing. Really talking about things that bring people together. I think that's important to concentrate on," Yehling says.
If your family has engaged in heated discussions during past holidays, reevaluate your plan. Maybe this year you decide to only spend a couple of hours at your gathering, instead of all day.