Take the sting out of holiday stress

Take the sting out of holiday stress


The holiday season tends to be an emotional time for many people, especially as the world continues to deal with unrelenting global drama and an ongoing pandemic. Holiday-related stress may seem overwhelming, but there are ways to manage your anxiety.

A group of researchers at the University of Kansas have linked added sugar consumption to metabolic, inflammatory and neurobiological processes that are connected to depressive illness. Holiday foods are often high in added sugars, making them apt to trigger this response.

Sugary foods give an initial mood boost, but if consumed in large amounts, over time, they can take a toll on a person’s mood. Added sugars can increase inflammation in the body and brain, which can lead to depression, anger or other negative mental conditions.

Avoiding an excess of sugary foods can help boost your mental health, especially during the stressful holiday season. It’s important to remember that it is OK to indulge — just do so in moderation.

Experts say that guilt and shame over diet slip-ups can also have a negative effect on mental health. Keep to a balanced diet to achieve optimal mental wellness, but give yourself permission to enjoy holiday treats. And if you overdo it, remember that we’re all human. Start over. Today’s a new day.

The last couple years have given us more emotional trauma than we might have imagined. But there’s no need to let stress win the day.

Taking time to reset your life and share traditions with those you love will help improve your mental health. Even during these trying times, don’t forget the joy of the season.

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