You might think that holiday stress just comes with the territory. But it doesn’t have to –and if you find yourself feeling stressed at the holidays every year, you may put yourself at risk for physical effects. Find out why staying stress free is good for both body and mind.

Everyone Gets Stressed, Right?While it’s true that stress is a part of life, problemscan start when there’s too much stress on the body,something that can easily happen at the holidays. A person’s already hectic schedule can becompounded by holiday-specific tasks that carrytheir own demands and deadlines.

How Much Stress Is Too Much?Everyone’s stress limit is different, but whensomeone starts to suffer the physical impacts ofstress listed below, it may be time for him or her tospeak with a doctor and reevaluate holidayexpectations and obligations.

In addition to causing emotional, cognitive andbehavioral issues, stress can cause physicalsymptoms as well. Examples include the following:

• Headaches

• Low energy

• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipationand nausea

• Aches, pains, and tense muscles

• Insomnia

• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability

• Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, coldor sweaty hands and feet

• Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing

• Clenched jaw and teeth grinding

Long-term ImpactStress doesn’t just cause immediate symptoms.Over time, it can cause chronic health conditions,including frequent colds and infections,cardiovascular disease, obesity, eating disorders,gastrointestinal, menstrual and sexual problems andskin and hair conditions.

Get HelpIf you’ve found your stress levels typically rise duringthe holidays, try to get ahead of it this year byadjusting your expectations, reducing obligationsand taking some time to actively enjoy the season.

If you feel stressed or if you are experiencing anysymptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

The Physical Impact of Holiday Stress

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Source: WebMD®

This information has been created and supplied to you courtesy of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The information is general in natureand is intended to provide you with an overview of the wellness topic to help you and your family get and stay healthy. It is not intended as a substitutefor the professional advice and care of your doctor. Always speak with your doctor before starting an exercise program or diet. If you have any questionsor concerns about your health or the health of any of your family members, consult your doctor.Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2016 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.