Q's Health News

The holiday season can be extra stressful for adults and children with the change of routines and the extra demands of our time. We are running around trying to make sure we have the right presents for each family member and friend and our kids’ friends and teachers. Then there are the Christmas programs at school and church. Oh, wait, don’t forget about the Christmas parties at work and with friends. And, we have our regular activities to fit in there – work, cleaning the house, dishes, laundry, cooking, etc.

Excess stress can lead to a multitude of health problems, such as sleep problems, irritability or anger, increased anxiety or depression, overeating, headache, stomach cramps, or even chest pain.

Don’t get me wrong; I LOVE the Christmas season. I love giving presents and gathering with family. It is truly the best time of the year! However, we have to be sure to take care of ourselves so that we can enjoy every moment! Stress management can be difficult, but it is a necessity. During the holidays, it is essential to continue healthy habits such as exercising, limiting the amount of sweets and alcohol you consume, and aiming for at least seven hours of sleep per night.

Even this time of year, you can get in daily exercise. We may not be able to get outside if the weather is frightful, but there are plenty of indoor options. Ekalaka Public Schools has an indoor walking track and gym. Two wonderful women in Ekalaka offer classes to anyone who wants to join them. Melissa Schwede leads a yoga/Pilates class on Mondays and Thursdays at St. Elizabeth Lutheran Church at 6 p.m., and Betty Cline leads an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays at the Senior Center at 4 p.m. In addition, if you have an internet connection, there are all kinds of exercise videos online!

During this busy season, take time to do something you enjoy, like reading a book, watching a favorite movie, listening to music while dancing around the house, or whatever works for you!

Practicing relaxation techniques is another great way to reduce daily stress, such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. There are even apps which you can load on your smartphone that will lead you in deep breathing or meditation sessions. Take five to ten minutes per day with meditation to release that stress.

Okay, I admit, I don’t always practice what I preach. As I tell my daughter, “do as I say, not as I do!” But I try, every day. When my stress and anxiety are out of control, my crutch is FOOD! And not the good stuff, I’m never craving apples and carrots when I’m stressed. Oh no, give me all the sweets and chips around!

When this happens, sometimes I come to my senses and can curb those cravings with some distraction, but not always. And that’s okay! Give yourself some grace. Being extra hard on yourself for eating that cookie is only going to increase your stress and make you feel bad about yourself. We only get to live this life once, while it is best to be the healthiest you can, you also need to enjoy yourself, and have that cookie (five might be overdoing it though)!

Starting at the end of December, I need to remember my words and practice them myself. I will be starting the very last class of my Master’s in Nursing Health Administration! I will be traveling to Miles City for two days most every week until the middle of February.

This class requires that I spend ninety hours with a nurse leader who has a Master’s degree. So, besides going to Miles City, I have to work, do school work, go to meetings, take care of my home, my daughter and myself! Oh my goodness. I can feel my stress level rising as I write this (deep breaths, deep breaths)! I am working on taking it one day at a time.

With the addition of this college class, I will not be able to be in the office at Public Health Monday through Friday. I will have odd hours until the middle of February. For example, during the week of December 30th, I’ll be in the office Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday for extended hours. I will post my hours each week on the Carter County Public Health Facebook page, as well as outside my office door.

I wish you all the Happiest and Healthiest of Holidays! As always, thank you for joining me this month! If you have questions or comments, you can find me at the Carter County Public Health office in DMHA or email me at [email protected].