Feeling stressed for the holidays? You're probably not alone

More than any other time of the year, the holidays can be the most grueling. It's winter- so the days are shorter and the lines of your favorite department store are out the door. Searching for that one special gift? Try finding a parking space first.

Feeling pressured and overwhelmed? It's a common ground shared by many, but there are ways to combat stress this holiday season, according to Diana Pierre, an education specialist with Fort Belvoir's Family Advocacy Center. Pierre said people could alleviate stress by having a positive attitude and setting priorities for themselves, such as spending wisely and not overindulging on unnecessary gift ideas.

"Sources of stress during the holidays include excessive spending, traveling and meeting deadlines at work," Pierre said. "What people need to remember is the importance of getting proper rest, managing their time wisely and asking for help when it's needed. Doing all that will make a big difference to anyone or any family."

According to Pierre, the desire to attend family functions is amplified around the holidays, particularly among service-members stationed overseas and unable to travel back home. For divorced couples with children, things aren't much easier when it comes time to planning a holiday schedule, Pierre added.

To help recognize symptoms of stress, Pierre is leading a stress management class Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Sosa Community Center. It's open to the entire Fort Belvoir community and will discuss ways in which people can cope with holiday stress.

"Upon completion of this class, participants should be able to recognize different sources of stress and learn ways in which they can avoid them all together," Pierre said. "This is our second year doing this and it went over pretty well last time. We had a good turnout and everyone seemed to walk away with something. We hope that happens again this year."

To register for the stress management class, contact Diane Pierre or Patricia Shamburger at 805-2693 or 805-4590.
For more stress management information, go to http://www.hooah4health.com/mind/stressmgmt/default.htm.