Why holiday stress impacts women more than men

According to research conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), the holiday season brings added responsibilities to a woman’s workload—and with it, more stress.

Over the next month, twice as many women than men will shop for food, cook, decorate and shop for gifts. As a result, only 27 percent of the women who participated in the APA’s study said they are able to relax over the holidays, compared to 41 percent of men. As a result, they may not make healthy choices or pay attention to their overall well-being.

On a national level, according to the Office on Women’s Health, at least half of all women in the U.S. report higher levels of stress during this time of year. The need to get everything done in time for the holidays can often cause a change in sleep patterns and dietary habits, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress, chronic headaches, fatigue, night sweats, depression and anxiety.

Nancy Petit, MD, Saint Francis Hospital obstetrician/gynecologist, shares insight into these common health issues and ways to reduce your risk.

Dietary changes

Because of the temptation to indulge in some of our favorite holiday treats and meals, many people will try to cut calories by skipping meals. However, while delicious, these treats often tend to be higher in fat, carbohydrates and sodium—making them more complex to digest and often leading to symptoms of nausea, heartburn, bloating, swelling, constipation and/or diarrhea.

“These gastrointestinal changes can frequently exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, acid reflux, diverticulosis of the colon and gluten and lactose intolerance,” Dr. Petit says.

We can still enjoy holiday goodies in moderation while keeping symptoms at a minimum. Excessive food or alcohol consumption may be tempting at first, however, it can disrupt menstrual cycles and alter hormonal levels. Consuming regular meals high in key nutrients such as lean protein, healthy fats and simple carbohydrates will help regulate the body’s metabolism to reduce excess bloating and swelling.

“Taking time to hydrate and eat despite the frenzy of the season will minimize new, unpleasant physical ailments and increase stamina to complete necessary tasks,” Dr. Petit says.

The temptation to overindulge in our favorite holiday foods can often increase if the stress of our responsibilities decreases our quality and quantity of sleep.

Sleep quality

Rushing around to gather holiday fixings, purchasing presents for friends and family, troubleshooting last-minute catastrophes and accomplishing seasonal rituals can be both physically and emotionally exhausting, which often affects our sleep patterns.

“Night sweats and hot flashes often rear their ugly heads this time of year with well-known triggers to include increased alcohol and caffeine consumption and inadequate sleep,” Dr. Petit says. “A lack of sleep can also cause distractibility, frustration, anxiety and headaches or recurrent migraines.”

Goal setting and making to-do lists and shopping lists can help tackle small projects and purchases while avoiding last-minute shopping trips. By prioritizing the need for each item, it can weigh the importance of what to tackle first.

“Communicating these goals with family and asking for help will go a long way to decrease stress and unrealistic expectations,” Dr. Petit says. “Including children or other family members in helping with preparations can also create new memories and experiences that may become more memorable than those that occur during the actual holiday.”

Mental health

While the holiday season generally brings feelings of joy and gratitude, many women exhibit new-onset mental health issues that may be based on loneliness, grief for family and friends no longer with them, concerns over limited resources such as food insecurities or financial limitations or the fear of disappointing loved ones.

“Episodes of domestic abuse or physical and emotional injury tend to increase in frequency during the holiday season,” Dr. Petit says. “The most important thing for anyone to remember during this time is to communicate any feelings of anxiety, depression or grief with friends and family to help minimize a sense of isolation.”

Prioritizing and seeking medical attention for symptoms that negatively impact sleep, appetite and interactions with family, friends or work colleagues is also important.

Visit Saint Francis North Wilmington Women’s Center to learn more or to schedule an appointment.