AIC Professor Offers Tips to Deal with Holiday Stress

Springfield, MA, November 16, 2013 --(PR.com)-- With the holiday season fast approaching, Americans will soon be bombarded with everything from greeting cards to song lyrics to TV ads to Tweets to Facebook, all telling us how joyful and happy we should be. White-knuckled and dizzy, we buy, cook, clean, buy, decorate, visit, buy, eat, drink, buy and do our best to be merry. But a psychology professor at American International College in Springfield, Mass., said despite the overwhelming messages of holiday cheer, the stress of the season can transform holidays into horror days before we have a chance to ring in the new year.

Gregory T. Schmutte, Ph.D., said this is even likelier to be true in today’s economic climate. "Those already stressed because they’re unemployed may also find themselves unable to put as many presents under the tree this year. Or worse, put themselves further into debt by overspending," he said.

But there is hope, according to Schmutte. With proper stress management, even the most frazzled holiday celebrant can enjoy a fruitful and joyous season.

"We all have to make sure that we abide by the most important rule: Be prepared. Things can change during the holiday, especially kids. And, we need to anticipate these changes," he said.

Because the holiday can become truly exciting for young children, Schmutte said, they can become excessively demanding. "Expect that children will become more boisterous or impatient than usual, creating problems for mom, dad or anyone else who might be in their way."

"Recognizing that a child’s fussiness and elevated energy are related to their anticipation of the holidays leaves parents better equipped to accept it as such- and not to escalate it by being overly reactive or punitive," he said.

Added pressures are often felt by families that must travel to be with their loved ones. "Packing up the children and spending a week with grandma may leave everyone feeling displaced. Anticipating that grandma is likely to be extra sad now that grandpa is gone may make it easier to prepare to be comforting rather than not understanding why she isn’t happy," Schmutte explained.

"Accept these speed bumps. Families don't become more loving or ideal simply because it's the holiday season. Prepare to go with the flow. Plan activities that will allow children to blow off steam. They’ll need some normal playtime as opposed to sitting around for hours visiting. Their ability to sit quietly is not going to be enhanced simply because it’s Kwanzaa," Schmutte said.

Then there's stress-laden holiday shopping adventures- who to buy for, how much to spend, the crowded malls, long lines at the cash register, and fierce competition for parking spaces. As daunting as these conflicts are, Schmutte said, you can prepare for them.

"Decide what you are going to buy and how much you will spend before you leave the house. This will help you resist gorgeous displays, bargain promises and other holiday merchandising ploys designed to part you from your money. And try to shop early in the day, or between four and six at night, when stores are quieter. Above all, don't try to do it all at once. Plan several trips rather than one magnificent shopping spree," according to Schmutte.

Most importantly, Schmutte advised, keep holidays in perspective. "They were not created to tax our wallets, our time, our families, or our psyches. It may help to refocus on the true meaning of the season. It’s a religious/cultural celebration; a time for sharing with family and friends and a time for escaping everyday routines. Simply reminding yourself of these things could ease some of the drudgery and add to the enjoyment of what can truly be a joyous season," he said.