Why Are The Holidays So Stressful?
The holiday season is often celebrated as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many, it brings significant stress and pressure.
From financial strain to social obligations, and from crowded stores to travel headaches, this time of year can feel overwhelming.
Yet, as believers, we have a divine responsibility to approach life differently.
While the King James Bible doesn’t specifically mention “stress,” it frequently addresses troubles, cares, and anxieties.
John 14:1 (AMPC) says, “DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated).”
Jesus’ command reminds us that we have a choice in how we respond to life’s challenges.
Will you obey?
Stress is the body’s natural reaction to demands or challenges.
Stress can manifest physically or emotionally, often triggering the “fight or flight” response, which releases hormones like cortisol.
While short-term stress can help us tackle immediate problems, chronic stress takes a toll on our health and well-being.
Chronic stress has been linked to high blood pressure, exhaustion, hives, headaches, stomach ulcers, trouble sleeping, weight gain, accelerated aging, and increased risk of heart disease.
In fact, a Harvard Medical School study revealed that people under stress are three times more likely to develop heart disease. Stress also suppresses the immune system, increases harmful cholesterol levels, and even kills brain cells, much like binge drinking.
Common stressors during the holiday season include financial pressure from gift-giving and decorations, crowds while shopping, increased social obligations and events, and hosting family or traveling to visit loved ones.
These pressures demand answers to the relentless question, “What are you going to do?”
But the real solution isn’t found in doing—it’s in casting the care!
Next week we will talk about God’s Remedy for Holiday Stress!
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