The holidays are a time for joy and gathering with the family. They are also a time of stress and tension as you run shopping errands and try to organize a large meal for an even larger family.
The extra energy it takes to manage this chaotic time of year can result in stress headaches that tend to appear at the most inopportune times. The feelings can be overwhelming and can lead to headaches that eventually result in a bad mood or even depression.
Holiday Headaches
Holiday headaches can show up when you are trying your best to figure out what to cook for dinner and where to seat your relatives at the dinner table. The constant stress and worry associated with the holidays can bring both headaches and depression. The fear of disappointing your family can also lead to depression.
The key is to focus on your family and allow them to help you figure out the intricacies of the celebration. This will take some of the stress off you and allow the family to bond together in ways they may not otherwise be able to at other times during the year.
Tension Headache Treatment Options
There are several things you can do to limit the holiday stress and reduce your risks of both headaches and depression.
- Stay rested – Go to bed on time and get the rest you need.
- Delegate tasks – You don’t have to do it all. Utilize your resources and make your family feel useful.
- Don’t worry about the time – Do things as you can and take the time to enjoy your family.
- Avoid your headache triggers – If you know what they are, avoid them and go about your day.
- Breathe – Don’t let the stress build up. Take a break every now and then.
Reduce the stress and you reduce the risk of a potential headache. Relax. Take the time to enjoy yourself. Slip away with a cup of cider or spend a few minutes talking with the children. Remember to do something that makes you smile!
Houston Headache Institute
At the Houston Headache Institute, we work to help our patients understand the relationship between stress headaches and the depression they can cause, especially during the holidays.
Visit our Houston location to find out what can be done to help you control your stress and reduce the risk of a holiday headache ruining the time you have to spend with your family. We can provide tension headache treatment options that will help you overcome your stress and allow you to enjoy your favorite holiday traditions.
