The holidays are in full swing and for some people it really is the most wonderful time of the year, but others feel it’s a stressful season. Psychologist Dr. Elaine Rodino explains that music can have a significant impact on people, especially related to their memories and emotions.
And if people don’t have good memories of the holidays, hearing Christmas music can stir those up and stress them out. She advises people who are feeling holiday stress try to make it easier on themselves:
- Let go of expectations for decorating, sending cards and buying presents
- Take control of what you can and do things that fit into your lifestyle
- Spend time trying to figure out why you’re feeling what you’re feeling
- Avoid listening to Christmas music when you can and use headphones to drown it out in stores