There are numerous ways to get the best out of the holidays without letting the stress get to you.

“Stress is something that impacts everyone, and to varying degrees, ” said Dr. Micky M. Sharma, director of the Counseling and Student Development Center. “A situation that is highly stressful for one person may be much less so for another.”

The holiday time can be very stressful for students because having to return home and being subject to boundaries set by parents can cause stress and conflict, said Carrie Murrow, a graduate student therapist. There are other factors that add to stress, such as financial stress and family conflicts that may have been avoided while at school, Morrow said.

Sharma said the best way to reduce stress is to practice self-care.

“The best way to reduce stress in your life is to regularly engage in activities that reduce stress, i.e. things that [you] enjoy doing and leave you feeling refreshed,” Sharma said.

Morrow agrees that setting time aside will help to keep a sane state of mind, but also thinks setting boundaries and having realistic expectations for the holidays will help keep stress at a normal level.

“Realize that conflict may occur, but [you] need to deal with it productively,” Morrow said. “Learn how to step back and stop an argument before it escalates. Be open-minded to different opinions and be willing to negotiate.”

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, Morrow suggests taking a break.

“You’re probably not being effective in any of your tasks if you’re too burnt out,” Morrow said.


Places to go on campus to help reduce stress:

The Counseling and Student Development Center, Campus Life Building, Room 200.

The Family Center, Wirtz Hall first floor.

The Psychological Services Center, Psychology/Computer Science Building.

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