Holiday gatherings are meant to bring joy, but experts say stress and overindulgence can quietly take a toll on both mental and physical health.
Psychologist Dr. Kia-Rai Prewitt with Cleveland Clinic says family tension is common this time of year, and managing it like a workplace challenge can help. She suggests avoiding hot-button topics, limiting time with difficult relatives and focusing on the family members you enjoy. Most importantly, she says it’s OK to skip a gathering if it feels overwhelming.
That same idea of moderation applies to physical health. Preventive cardiologist Dr. Luke Laffin warns of “holiday heart,” a condition linked to excess eating, drinking and stress that can trigger heart rhythm problems or heart failure. Symptoms may include palpitations, fatigue and shortness of breath, especially for people with high blood pressure or diabetes.
Doctors recommend pacing yourself, limiting salty foods and alcohol, staying hydrated and eating fruits and vegetables. And if stress or physical symptoms start to interfere with daily life, experts say it’s important to seek help, whether from a mental health professional or a medical provider.
