MACON, Ga. — The most happiest season of all is coming up this week. One thing is for sure, the holiday season brings a lot of emotions with it.
There can be joy and anticipation, but it can also be a reminder of those who are no longer here with us and stress from holiday expenses or trying to keep up with all the extra activities Christmas time brings to us all.
"It's very chaotic, very stressful, very hectic, it's just crazy," Alicia Hamlin said.
Hamlin says it can be stressful around this time of year.
"It can be really stressful because you still have the monthly priorities you have to take care of regardless of Christmas, Thanksgiving, or whatever holiday you may celebrate," she said.
A survey done by Onepoll for Walgreen's in 2021 found more than 1 in 4 people think the last 3 months of the year are the most stressful.
"The holidays are stressful. They can be stressful because we are having to see our family, traveling, the trigger of grief, and eating disorder or anything along those lines," licensed therapist Madison Norris said.
Norris says solutions start with taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
"Exercising, making sure you're eating balanced meals. Taking care of your physical health because that will impact your mental health," she said.
Making time to step back and take a "you" moment if things start getting too heavy is also important.
"Lately, we've been taking afternoon walks to get my mind of shopping, grocery lists. Anything to wind down," Hamlin said.
Norris says it's important to know where your breaking point is and to get help from others if you need it.