-- With the holidays right around the corner, many Americans are already consumed by the stress and strain commonly associated with this time of year. Determining who should and shouldn’t receive a gift, deciding how much money should be allotted for those gifts, making preparations for holiday meals, dealing with visiting relatives especially if there’s a rift in the family, budgeting and planning to travel out of town, etc.
According to the mental health professionals at Brand New Day, holiday-induced stress can have serious health implications for those wrapped up in the chaos of the season.
“Anticipating the holidays, feeling pressured to live up to others’ expectations, attending office parties and other events, shopping in crowded malls, making travel plans, dealing with relatives, overspending, overindulging in food and alcohol and experiencing myriad other holiday-related stresses can take a real toll on one’s mental health,” says James Pratty MD, Brand New Day’s medical director of behavioral health. “If that stress is prolonged and overwhelming enough, you are putting yourself at greater risk for serious mental conditions including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, etc.”
According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of Americans report that their stress levels increase so significantly during the holidays that they risk serious mental illness. A survey conducted by Covered California Health Insurance Marketplace identifies three of the top stressors: shopping for gifts (26%), managing children’s excitement (17%) and navigating family dynamics (17%).
Brand New Day offers the following advice in hopes of easing holiday-related stress:
Make a Budget — It should be manageable without putting the user in credit card debt. Find alternative ways to show appreciate to loved ones, e.g. craft something by hand, write a note of appreciation for that person or create an online photo montage using images and music reflecting the relationship (e.g., “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” etc.)
Just Say “No” — Do not feel obligated to attend parties or gatherings. If a testy, difficult relative invites himself to a gathering, make it clear that they are not welcome. If getting together with family members is traditionally unpleasant, make other plans.
Diet — Eat something healthy before attending a party to prevent overindulging. Also, limit or eliminate alcohol consumption and drink a lot of water.
Exercise — Running, jogging, swimming, bicycling, etc increases endorphins, reduces tension and anxiety and stimulates the immune system.
Take Time For Yourself — Set aside some time each day to meditate, go to the gym, go for a run, read a book, get a massage, take a bubble bath, etc.
Sleep — Aim to get 8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Among Brand New Day’s benefit plans that are available to those with Medicare Part A and B or with Medicare and Medi-Cal:
· Classic Plan — basic plan for its Medicare-only, Medicare and Medi-Cal members
· Embrace Plan — serving those with heart disease and/or diabetes
· Bridges Plan — serving those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
· Select Plan — serving those residing in assisted living communities or long-term care (nursing homes) facilities
Brand New Day works with independent brokers throughout the state and can arrange for an in-person appointment for those wanting to review the plans in their area
Brand New Day is a subsidiary of Bright HealthCare and Bright Health Group, (NYSE: BHG).
For more information about the Brand New Day Medicare Advantage plans, call (866) 255-4795 and visit www.BNDHMO.com .
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Contact Info:
Name: Frank Groff
Email: Send Email
Organization: Brand New Day
Address: 5455 Garden Grove Blvd, Suite 500, Westminster, CA 92683, United States
Phone: +1-562-225-9981
Website: https://BNDHMO.com
Release ID: 89086844