OHIO — The Holiday season is often filled with joy and excitement, but many of us have probably felt at least a little bit on edge.

A recent study by The American Psychological Assoication  shows that concerns such as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year. 

Another cause of stress can be what's known as "hometown anxiety."

"(It's) not a diagnosis, but it is a useful psychological term to describe the unease, discomfort or even dread that you experience going to your hometown or back to your family or origin," Cleveland Clinic Psychologist Dr. Susan Albers said. "As soon as you step in the door, you may notice that you fall into old roles, patterns of communication or family dynamics."

The American Psychological Association study shows that while nearly half of U.S. adults (49%) would describe their holiday stress levels as “moderate,” 41% of respondents said their stress increases during this time.

Going home or visiting your hometown can, in a way, open the door for more stress or bring back issues of the past.

"This is related to implicit memories, which are the unconscious memories that impact how you think and feel below your awareness," Albers said. "Its like riding a bike. We don't conciously tell ourselves how to ride the bike. In certain contexts that memory emerges. This is why when you are at home you may be acting, thinking and feeling as if you are 13 years old even though you are 30."

There are ways to prevent or limit the impacts of hometown anxiety.

"The best thing that you can do is to anticipate this anxiety," Albers said. "Our brain loves to be prepared, so knowing your triggers, sensitive buttons, uncomfortable conversations that may emerge will help to create an emotional armor. Traveling is stressful, so making sure you get quality sleep and are eating well is also going to help you cope more effectively with this anxiety."