Nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults say that something causes them stress during the holiday season, whether it be financial concerns, missing loved ones, or the anticipation of family conflict, highlights a poll by the American Psychological Association. For adults throughout Pennsylvania, holiday season stressors can lead to unhealthy habits — and can even contribute to poor heart health. While the holiday season can lead many Pennsylvanians to prioritize plans such as a large holiday feast and gift exchange, stress management proves to be equally as crucial.
The health concerns of stress
“Stress is sometimes underrecognized as a risk factor for heart disease,” states Rachel Lampert, MD, a Yale Medicine cardiologist. The Yale Medicine article goes on to note that some experts categorize stress as a leading risk factor for heart disease, which is often regarded as the biggest killer in the United States. It’s important to note that there are a variety of different ways that stress can affect the heart, and that stress affects everyone in different ways. For example, stress can manifest in the form of physical symptoms that include exhaustion, headaches, digestive issues, chest pain, muscle tension, and a weakened immune system. Mental health symptoms, on the other hand, can range from depression to sadness, anxiety, and even panic attacks, the Cleveland Clinic notes.
The impact of stress down the line
While a bit of seasonal stress is normal, prolonged stress can result in symptoms that may not be evident until later on — for example, a bad night’s sleep can gradually turn into insomnia, which can later on impact heart health. Stress can also lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, all of which can lead to poor heart health. The American Heart Association (AHA) identifies research from a Boston-based study, which notes that depression and anxiety “may accelerate the onset of risk factors for increased heart attack and stroke.” The AHA goes on to cite a separate study based in Dallas, which discovered that cumulative stress contributed to health behaviors (like smoking), which lead to negative effects in regard to heart health — for example, it’s explained that such behaviors can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, a known cardiovascular disease risk factor.
In some cases, chronic stress can contribute to health concerns that will require medical intervention in order to treat, like heart damage or disease. In regard to heart health, mitral valve replacement surgery is performed in order to replace a damaged mitral valve. As one of the heart’s four valves, the mitral valve plays a key role in the body, as it is responsible for the proper blood flow forwards through the body and actively prevents blood from leaking backwards. When damaged, the valve will no longer work properly, and will ultimately strain the left side of the heart. In turn, a damaged mitral valve can lead to heart and lung damage over time — in severe cases, a damaged mitral valve can lead to heart failure. A mitral replacement is essential in the restoration of the heart, and will help get proper blood flow through the body. While a mitral replacement can be performed as open surgery or as a minimally invasive procedure, it will require a recovery period.
Stress management for the holiday season
A consultation with a healthcare provider is essential when the goal is to improve heart health, especially for Pennsylvanians who have an existing condition like high blood pressure. In addition to professional recommendations, stress management techniques can make the holiday season easier, and are always a good idea in regard to your overall health. In addition to good sleep, key ways to manage stress include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and the adoption of an activity like art or journaling. Realistic expectations can also have a powerful impact on stress, especially if you’re used to taking on more than you’d like to throughout the holidays. In other words, it’s okay to say ‘no’ to things that only add to your stress, whether you decline an invitation to a holiday event or decide to not host a major dinner.
Pennsylvania’s festive events
High expectations, family affairs, and plans to exchange gifts can all add to the stressors of the season. In addition to stress management techniques, however, there are a number of festive events to indulge in that can help put the pressures of the season out of mind, even if just for a short amount of time. Throughout December, the State Museum of Pennsylvania will feature a variety of events, such as a seasonal show to take place in the Planetarium, and a family-friendly celebration for the New Year. The Planetarium program, Season of Light, “traces the history and development of holiday customs that involve lighting up the winter season,” the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania site explains, from Christmas tree lights to the Hanukkah menorah.
Other holiday events that take place throughout the state underline additional opportunities to indulge in (and enjoy) the festive season, and can serve as a distraction from the seasonal stressors. For more than 40 years, the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane features family rides, a TREEville trail, and ‘Sweet Greets’ with Hershey Characters. Traditional hot chocolate as well as a spiked hot chocolate bar for adults serve as additional treats for those who wish to escape everyday life for a bit of holiday-infused fun.
While many look forward to the joy that the holiday season has to offer, it can also be a stressful time filled with high expectations, family affairs, and a laundry list of tasks to complete. Due to the link between heart health and stress, healthcare, stress management techniques, and an indulgence in Pennsylvania’s festivities can help make the holidays more enjoyable.
