skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Friday, March 29, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Ensure Holiday Happiness by Keeping Stress at Bay

play audio
Play

Friday, December 7, 2012   

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The holidays are upon us, and images of peace, love, harmony and family togetherness are popping up everywhere in Arkansas.

But the reality is that it also can be the most tense and stressful time of year. The Arkansas Psychological Association lists money as a top concern for many people. Dr. Mort Orman, a stress-relief expert, says family members have different ways of celebrating holidays – and if they don't voice those expectations, problems are sure to surface and cause stress.

"Because of our expectations, we want things to go a certain way. People start behaving differently. We want to try and get them to do the things the way we want them to do it. So, we try and get them to do that – and sometimes they don't want to do that, or that's not their particular way of doing it."

Orman says people should be willing to say "no," even if it means disappointing someone. He says just trying to balance family commitments during the holidays often overburdens family members and causes more unnecessary stress.

Planning is also an important factor to ensure the "12 Days of Christmas" will be restful, memorable and meaningful. Orman advises families to plan their budgets, trips, dinners and visiting times. He also suggests focusing on the things that you are able to control – even in situations that can sometimes seem out of control.

"Sometimes you may not be able to control somebody else's behavior, the traffic jam or the long lines at the checkout, but you do have some control over your own patterns: when you start shopping, how much time you allow to travel around during the holidays, how you respond to other people, and relate to other people."

The doctor's top tip is that no one can "do it all," so be practical and build in some time to connect with your spouse and children during the holidays. He says children take their cues from parents – so, when parents are stressed, children's emotions can quickly ramp up as well.











get more stories like this via email

more stories
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

play sound

Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

play sound

Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

play sound

Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

play sound

New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Many factors affect a customer's bill amount, including energy usage, weather, and the number of days in a billing period, according to Arizona Public Service. (Jason Yoder/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

play sound

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

Social Issues

play sound

A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021