Mental health flight offers tips to stay joyful, reduce holiday stress Published Nov. 30, 2011 By Maj. David Cordry 81st Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight commander KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The holiday season is upon us in full force bringing with it the combination of happiness and stress. Although most of us look forward to spending time with family and friends, the holidays also can be a source of stress. Between multiple demands for things like shopping, entertaining and traveling, stress and depression can creep into the holiday festivities like uninvited guests. It is important to recognize some triggers of holiday stress as we prepare for a peaceful and relaxing holiday season. Relationships can be a source of great comfort and support through the holiday season; however, tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts often resurface during these times, especially when several people are crammed into a house where everyone is used to having their own space. Avoid engaging in the traditional "airing of grievances" and spend time focusing on the positive things you enjoy about your family. Airmen should keep in they are not the same person they were before joining the Air Force and this may present challenges to family and friends who have different expectations of them. If you are not going to be able to spend the holidays with your family, try to maximize your time with friends wherever you are going to be --don't isolate yourself. Consider volunteering your time instead of staying home alone. Homeless shelters and nursing homes welcome volunteers anytime. You may also decide to attend a religious or spiritual service offered on base or in the community. Supervisors, make sure your troops have plans for the holidays or help them find something to do. Specifically ask if they will be alone and, if so, help them find alternate plans. Between travel, food, entertainment and fighting crowds to ensure you can buy junior the limited edition G.I. Joe with the kung-fu grip, stretched finances can put a strain on your budget. Overspending to ensure everyone is happy for the holidays frequently leads to financial worries in the ensuing months as credit card bills come due. Before you start buying holiday gifts, decide how much you can afford and stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. The demands of the holiday season frequently require juggling priorities. This can lead to things like chores and errands taking priority over healthy coping behaviors such as getting adequate rest and exercise. Don't let the holidays become an excuse to overdo it when it comes to eating and consuming alcohol. When you ignore your exercise routine and getting adequate rest, you become more run down and vulnerable to the effects of stress. Additionally, getting out of shape reduces your chances for success in family traditions like the "feats of strength." Do you really want your older brother to remind you all year long about how easily he gave you a nooggie because you let yourself get flabby over the holidays? Here are some additional tips to manage your stress during the holidays: Set realistic expectations for the holidays. Don't try to make the holidays perfect or just like last year. Traditions often change as families change; be flexible and enjoy things as they are rather than obsessing about how things are supposed to be. Set aside old differences with family members and friends. Don't try to resolve decades-old disagreements with family, just enjoy the time together. Stick to a budget. Learn to say no. You can't participate in every event or activity. Be comfortable knowing your limits and setting them with family and friends. Don't abandon healthy habits. Continue to get some exercise and rest. Don't overdo it with alcohol and become "that guy" that your family and friends are going to remember as the person who got drunk and ruined the holidays. Take some time for yourself. Spending 15 minutes just relaxing can help you recharge your batteries and tackle the tasks you still have to handle. Take time out for spirituality. Celebrate the religious significance of the holidays. Often this might be a good time to renew your spiritual beliefs and spend more time in contemplation of spirituality. Seek help. If you begin to feel "stretched thin" emotionally or physically, don't wait until you reach the point of helplessness or hopelessness. Seek help from a supervisor, friend or loved one or speak with someone at the mental health clinic or a chaplain.