Tis the season to be merry but for many the holidays are also the season for stress, worry and sadness. The Associated Press found that 22 percent of Americans are going into the holiday season with high stress levels due to debt. Additionally, the American Psychological Association (APA) found that nearly half of all women in the United States experience heightened stress during the holidays, which puts their health at risk.

People deal with stress year round, but for many, the holidays can add to their stress level, said Cynthia Vaske, St. Lukes Employee Assistance Program manager and clinical social worker. Many people are dealing with money troubles, lost jobs or the loss of a loved one. These issues can make the holidays tough and its important to lean on friends and family for support during these difficult times. Talk about what may be troubling you with someone you trust.

Here are some tips to relieve stress from St. Lukes Employee Assistance Program.

-Have a positive attitude.
-Try not to worry about things out of your control.
-Exercise or meditate. A few extra minutes of exercise or quiet time set aside each day can benefit overall health.
-Eat nutritional food. Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.
-Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages.
-Rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep each day.
-Get a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body.
-Sing. Music is a great stress reliever and mood changer.
-Give back. Give toys to a collection drive or donate food to the food bank. Doing good for others helps can cheer you up.

If an individual feels persistently sad or anxious, bothered by physical problems such as the inability to sleep, is irritable and hopeless, and unable to perform routine chores they should talk to their doctor or a mental health professional. (less info)