Manage Holiday Stress
Feeling stressed is common, and stress increases for everyone around the grand expectations of the holidays.
Need help getting through the holidays? Try:
1) Mindfulness
Being present is a present.
Mindfulness is a practice you can adopt in your everyday life, and you can try it right now. Take a moment, close your eyes, and observe you’re experiencing in the present moment. Ready for the next step? Click here: https://news.va.gov/98144/live-whole-health-100-mindful-holiday-season/
2) Breathing
A holiday riddle: What is something you do 20,000 times a day that when controlled can help relieve stress? Breathing. Breathing exercises are a practice you can implement this holiday season to manage stressful situations. Check out this guide: https://news.va.gov/77432/live-whole-health-self-care-episode-41-breathing-stress-relief/
3) Exercise
When in doubt, work it out. Regular exercise can help relieve stress, and some types of exercise like tai chi and yoga have added mental health benefits.
Too cold to go outside? Try this tai chi flow that you can do seated in your own home: https://news.va.gov/109004/live-whole-health-138-tai-chi-basic-moves/
4) Acupressure
Take your stress into your own hands. Literally. Acupressure is a Whole Health practice you can try right now at home. Apply pressure and massage certain acupressure points to get relief. Check out this how-to video to get started: https://news.va.gov/96696/live-whole-health-95-acupressure-for-getting-into-the-flow/
5) Asking for Help
The additional stress of the holidays can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and the Butler VA is here to help with effective services and treatments like counseling, medication, a variety of Whole Health practices, and more. Learn more about how VA can help you manage your stress and get help this holiday season by talking to your VA provider or calling the Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Program Manager at 878-271-6484.
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Asking for help is a sign of strength. If your or someone you know is in an emotional crisis, you can all the Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988 then press 1. You can also text 838255 or chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.