With the holiday season in full swing, MCG HealthCare and the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at the Medical College of Georgia issues some ways to manage and handle the stress.

Understanding what causes the stress is the first step to reducing and managing it. "Unrealistic expectations and social comparisons are two contributors to increased stress around the holidays," according to Dr. Bernard Davidson, Associate Professor and Director of Family Therapy Training at MCG. "The holidays signify change in nearly every sector of our lives. That change itself can cause stress. Managing unrealistic expectations is key to keeping the holiday stress down," Davidson said.

To help manage stress throughout the holiday season Dr. Davidson suggests:

• Do not stress over things you have no control over.
  
• Evaluate the important things in your life such as family and friends and schedule activities that focus on being together.
  
• Emphasize the positive things and realize how fortunate we are.
  
• Avoid negative coping habits such as excessive drinking, smoking or eating.
  
• Maintain financial responsibility by keeping holiday giving within your means. To minimize stress in January do not overspend.
  
• Be sure to take care of yourself physically through the holidays. This includes getting proper rest, eating healthy as well as continuing to exercise.
  
• If you are alone this holiday, get involved in your local community to give to others. This way you can be with others who are away from their families. This gives you a sense of belonging.

A few physical signs of stress may include: overly tired or fatigued, difficulty sleeping, extreme appetite fluctuations and increased interpersonal conflicts related to the holidays. If these signs persist for more than a couple of weeks, seek professional help in your local community.

MCG HealthCare is the health system of the Medical College of Georgia and is comprised of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the School of Medicine and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.