An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Base experts have advice for reducing holiday stress

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  During the holiday season, Airmen may find themselves wrestling with a combination of stressors, including travel plans to visit loved ones, accepting visitors into their homes or looking to make their dollar go farther for a holiday dinner or gift for family.

Whatever the case, there is a delicate balance all Airmen must manage to cope with holiday stress.

Capt. Michelle White, 375th Medical Operations Squadron, said, "People encounter stress all year long, but the holidays bring a special kind of stress from the normal day to day when you start adding all the parties and shopping that can make you feel overwhelmed with all of it."

Travel is the first thing that can affect your holidays, and the safety office reminds people of the dangers of fatigue, either mental or physical, when distance driving.

Thomas J. Miles, 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety deputy ground safety superintendent, said, "Take time to plan your trip and remember to stick to it because too often people get caught up with their friends and family that they lose sight of their plans. Don't forget the basics; always remember to buckle up and get plenty of rest, but don't push yourself with long hours on the road."

Facing extra people on the road or at the mall can create more anxiety, and taking time away from it can help you focus on the positives.

White said, "If the long lines are upsetting you, try and find a way to make these situations more pleasurable by striking up a conversation with someone in line rather than focusing on the negatives and creating a time bomb of stress."

Along with the long lines, the price tag that comes from shopping can create problems for someone's holidays. The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers resources for Airmen to learn how to create a budget and avoid debt that the holidays can create.

For military members, stress can be increased from being away from home due to a temporary duty assignment, deployment or just not having enough leave to take time off.

Amanda Pinkham, 375th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager, said, "Stress is the leading factor to physical illness, so it's important to learn where it comes from so we can manage it."

Getting sleep and using breathing techniques are encouraged by mental health professionals to help relax the body as stress can increase heart rate that can lead to health problems and add to a person's inability to focus.

White recommends using the different resources available on base including meditation and yoga from the chapel, and the Health and Wellness Center's nutrition classes.

Supervisors and co-workers should look out for signs of stress and reach out to each other if things become even a little overwhelming. Signs of stress may vary from person to person and situation to situation.

For more information contact the Scott Mental Health Clinic at 256-7386, the chaplain at 256-3303 or the Airman and Family Readiness Center is 256-8668.