Note: In November 2023, APA released the results of a new holiday stress poll: Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans
The holidays can be a stressful time for many people due to the intensified focus on family, work and money, but this added stress is felt more by women. In a recent survey on holiday stress, the American Psychological Association (APA) found that women are more likely than men to report heightened stress levels during the holiday season, and that they’re less likely to take time to relax or manage that stress in healthy ways.
Research shows that stress, and the unhealthy behaviors people use to manage it, contribute to some of our country’s biggest health problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. So it’s imperative that people take steps to address issues like holiday stress in healthier ways.
