According to a survey by the American Psychological Association 85-percent of Americans are generally happy this time of year, but our feelings and actions can be driven by hormonal changes and that translate into impulse behavior such as spur of the moment buying and over eating.
The stress hormone Cortisol starts working overtime and that can have us reaching for sweets and starches. Insulin levels jump up and low blood sugar drops, which can lead to an emotional crash.
Serotonin, the happy hormone, accounts for the feelings of contentment we experience with family and friends.
One expert says surrounding yourself with a good community can help with the holiday ups and downs.
