Holiday season stress How giving and socializing can help

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Transcript

00:00Mounting tensions that accompany the holiday season are bringing anything but joy to many people's worlds.

00:05According to a recent study by LendingTree, out of the nearly 70% of Americans expected to give presents this year,

00:1137% feel pressured to do so, and 26% say it causes them stress.

00:20The holidays are also a time filled with gatherings, which can wear you out.

00:24Any stress is still, even good stress, is still stress. It still causes the physiological response that we have,

00:31whether it's anxiety, stress, sadness.

00:34But psychology experts say we can turn some of that stress into success,

00:38citing the mental health boosts related to giving and spending quality time with others.

00:42It can also be a source of excitement and happiness.

00:45We know that volunteering or helping others can be really good for us, it can be really good for our mood.

00:52It takes the focus off ourselves onto other people.

00:55According to data from the American Psychological Association,

00:58giving presents triggers sections of the brain linked to pleasure, social connection, and even trust.

01:06Meanwhile, even though going to lots of holiday parties may seem hectic,

01:09they may be just what the doctor ordered to help put a smile on your face.

01:16Especially with shorter and colder days keeping more people inside the house this time of year.

01:20Seeing other people, not being alone, even if it's like you're not traveling to see family,

01:25can you get together with friends, right? Not being alone during this time of year is really useful.

01:29Shawn Langell, Fox News.