Dealing with Holiday Fatigue

It's the season for holiday fun, but also holiday fatigue.

The holidays can be overwhelming, wearing both mentally and physically.

According to Jonathan D. Rich, D.O., a primary care doctor with Mercy Personal Physicians Downtown in Baltimore, there are many physical manifestations from stress that can include sleeping too much or too little, having racing thoughts or experiencing changes in your appetite.

Dr. Rich said to take it slow - and take a step back.

"I think it's a time where you have to get back to basics, you have to make sure you're getting enough sleep, make sure you're eating enough and eating the right foods. You need to make sure you're getting your exercise in and make sure you're taking your time for yourself, too, because it is thinking a lot about other people and other things. Sometimes, you need to keep yourself in the equation," Dr. Rich said.

Dr. Rich added that it's important to drink plenty of water and limit alcohol consumption. And, after the holidays end, it is also a good time to check yourself because holiday fatigue can happen from being so drained once the rush of the holidays wraps up.

View Mercy primary care physician Dr. Jonathan Rich's interview regarding holiday fatigue.