How to de-stress after the holidays Published Jan. 8, 2016 By Senior Airman Tristin English 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Scott Air Force Base, Illinois -- The holiday season often brings unwelcomed stress and for some depression as well. But it's no wonder why, the holidays present an array of demands -- parties, crowds, shopping, cooking, cleaning, weight gain and debt, to name just a few, and can still be rough to deal with after the holidays. Master Sgt. Jennifer Mueller, 375th Mental Health flight chief, "What stresses people most usually just family conflicts. So just getting together with family that they haven't seen in a while or they don't spend a lot of time with so that tends to be one of the bigger stressors." Mental health has a prevention booth/table sitting out front so they really try to focus on doing outreach activities with organizations. Mental health always has an opened door policy with commanders so if they want us to brief their squadrons over stress or blues or drinking, we will cater a briefing for them. "So we really put it out to the commanders that "her this is what we do, so let your folks know that we're here for them and they can always come in and walk in to go over our walk in procedures, but more importantly we will try to go to them if they request our services." What mental health usually sees around this time is drinking, so they try to get the word out on trying to be a smart drinker when dealing with stress. "A lot of times if people get stressed some of the things they will do to cope is turn to drink and we want to try to discourage that, so we really try to get some information out on ways to de-stress," said Mueller. But there are ways to manage stress: 1: Set realistic goals: It's important to set goals you can achieve and that you want to achieve that way you can draw satisfaction from them. Decide what is important to you and your family. Remember you get to create your own family traditions and sometimes that means slowing down and putting aside time for just you and your family. Don't overdo it. 2: Ask for help: Asking for help strengthens your relationship with anyone, it helps make it more authentic and balanced. Remember no one can take on the world alone, everyone has struggles and maybe you're not able to face them alone. 3: Keep track of your finances: It's important to know how you're managing and spending your money. Tracking your money helps to see where your money is really going. Tracking can help you identify serious spending issues. Don't overdo it on presents putting yourself in debt. Make a budget and stick to it. 4: Take a breather: It's always important to take time to yourself. Spending just ten minutes alone without and distractions may be able to help you handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress and revitalizes you. (Listen to music, read a book, take a walk or even get a massage) 5: Seek professional help if needed: no matter how much effort you put fourth, you still could find yourself feeling sad, anxious, irritable and hopeless. If the feelings last for a while it is important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you are seeking professional help at any time, Mental Health can be reached at 256-7386.