A study from TermLife2Go ranks Nebraska No. 2 on the list of most stressed states during the winter holidays.
The insurance company collected data through Google searches last December for "stress relief" and "psychological stress."
"People get stressed because they can't see the end of the amount of things they have to do," said Dr. Trevor Bixler of Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health.
There's a lot to get done in the next few weeks. Maybe buy decorations or get something for the family. If you were out shopping Thursday--you know you weren't the only one.
"I think it keeps me busy," Carol Wing said. "It keeps my mind off things and helps do things for family and I think that's important."
But having such high expectations for this season can take a toll. Dr. Bixler says grabbing a notepad or opening your phone to write everything down can keep your head cool.
"If you don't want to make a list, you're going to run into unmet obligations," Dr. Bixler said.
And relax, Dr. Bixler says we get too caught up in expectations or forget to think about days off as a breath of fresh air.
"I try not to get stressed during the holidays and I try not to get too many things," shopper Denise Scholz said. "Taking a hot bath with a glass of wine reduces stress any time."
"There's a lot of time I show up to a store trying to drop off my trailer and it takes 30 to 40 minutes," shopper Chris Tomaso said. "People will honk and get upset, they'll yell whatever. "Your world is your world."
Dr. Bixler says start writing a list starting with the most pressing tasks. Then work backwards to get the simple tasks out of the way.
