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For some, the festive season can be a time of stress and anxiety

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US survey shows that inflation, national and global conflict, and the threat of respiratory illnesses have cast a pall on the impending holidays.

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Free Malaysia Today
Rising prices, global conflicts, illnesses… there’s a lot to be unhappy about this holiday season. (Envato Elements pic)

From decorating the house or the Christmas tree to entertaining guests, the festive season is usually a source of excitement, happiness, comfort, and even hope.

But this year could be an exception: a recent survey commissioned by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine suggests this period could actually be a source of stress and anxiety.

This is owing to inflation, which is likely to have an impact on spending originally earmarked for pleasure and indulgence, as well as global conflicts and an upsurge in cases of respiratory illnesses.

Conducted among over 1,000 adults in the United States, the survey reveals that national problems and world events represent a source of stress for 81% of respondents this year.

Three quarters of Americans also say they feel anxious over rising prices and the expenses associated with the holidays. This is despite the fact that inflation in the US has slowed during 2023 compared with this time last year.

Another uncertainty highlighted by the survey was the impact that certain illnesses, or at least their resurgence, could have on preparations for the festive season, and even more so on travel during this time.

More than half of those surveyed said they were concerned by the increase in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and Covid-19. These factors are having an impact on people’s mental health, turning a period synonymous with comfort and joy into a source of considerable worry.

“The holidays kind of bring on this feeling of sadness and struggle when we really want it to be more of a joyous time. I encourage people to reflect on what the holidays meant for you growing up,” said Nicole Hollingshead, a psychologist at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

Free Malaysia Today
It’s important not to lose sight of what matters during the holidays: time spent together with loved ones. (Envato Elements pic)

In a feature responding to this research, the expert shares her advice for dealing with this time of year and, above all, not losing sight of what’s essential.

She recommends focusing only on the problems you can solve – in other words, those over which you have real control. It’s impossible, for example, to influence inflation, but it’s more feasible to discuss your holiday budget with your loved ones or partner and decide on a potential reduction in spending.

The same applies to stressful national or global events. While it may not be possible to intervene in a country’s politics, or even in the escalation of conflicts on an international scale, it is possible – and sometimes necessary – to limit your exposure to the news, even avoid it altogether.

As for respiratory illnesses, Hollingshead advises “mitigating your risk as the best way to protect you and your family”. To that end, make sure you are caught up on recommended vaccinations, set clear boundaries about being around people who are feeling sick, and wash your hands frequently.

“It gets close to the holidays and you worry: ‘Did I buy enough for my family? Did I do enough?’ And so we can lose sight of the importance of having too many gifts or making sure everybody has enough to unwrap. Then we lose sight of the big picture, which is that time together,” she concluded.

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