’Tis the Season to Be Stressed, New Poll Finds
Tis the Season of Stress New Poll Reveals the Holidays' Impact
Tis the season to be stressed, according to a recent poll.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and merriment. However, a recent survey reveals that for many Americans, it’s more like the season of stress and worry.
According to researchers from Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, a toxic mental health cocktail is brewing due to a combination of factors including inflation, world affairs, and traditional holiday stressors. It seems that the strain of life’s challenges and holiday pressures has created a perfect storm for anxiety and tension.
The survey exposes some alarming statistics:
- 81% of Americans are experiencing stress relating to national issues and world affairs.
- 75% are feeling the pressure of rising prices and holiday spending.
- 53% are anxious about the increasing prevalence of flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses.
- 44% are still haunted by memories of last year’s holiday travel mishaps.
These findings challenge the widely held belief that the holiday season is meant to be a time for connecting with loved ones and starting the new year on a positive note. Nicole Hollingshead, a psychologist involved in the study, emphasizes the importance of reflecting on what the holidays truly mean to individuals. She asserts that it’s not about material possessions or extravagant gifts, but rather the emotions and atmosphere that make this time of year special.
So, how can we combat holiday stress and regain a sense of calm? Hollingshead suggests focusing on the things we can control and taking charge of our own well-being. Here are some practical steps we can take:
- Army Reserve Veteran Finds Hope and Healing with STRIVE Program
- Paid Family Leave An Exciting Opportunity to Slash Postpartum Depre...
- Revolutionary Weight-Loss Drug Rescues Livers of Obese Individuals

- Plan a holiday budget and find ways to reduce spending to alleviate financial stress.
- Limit exposure to news and social media that tend to amplify worries about global events.
- Prioritize health by ensuring we are up-to-date on vaccinations and practicing good hygiene habits.
- Prepare for travel mishaps by having alternative plans in place and remaining adaptable.
Hollingshead also advises against succumbing to the pressure of advertisements that promote an idealized and picture-perfect holiday. Instead, she urges us to focus on the true essence of the season: spending quality time with loved ones and cherishing shared experiences.
This survey serves as a wake-up call for all of us to reassess our priorities during the holiday season. Let’s remember that the joy and fulfillment of this time come from more meaningful sources. By taking control of what we can and letting go of unrealistic expectations, we can make the most of this festive period.
Have you experienced holiday stress? Share your thoughts and strategies for managing stress in the comments below!