5 Ways to Beat Holiday Stress

1. Don’t Abandon Health Habits.

A little holiday indulgence is fine, but splurging too much, only adds to your stress and guilt. Eat a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Get plenty of sleep and physical activity.Spending just 15 minutes alone may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Steal away to a quiet place, even if it’s the bathroom, for a few moments of solitude. Take a walk at night. Listen to soothing music. Find something that clears your mind, slows your breathing, and restores your calm.

2. Stick to a Budget.
Before you go shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Stick to your budget. Donate to a charity in someone’s name, give homemade gifts, or start a family gift exchange.

3. Plan Ahead.
Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make one big food-shopping trip. Allow extra time for travel so that delays won’t worsen your stress.

4. Forget about Perfection.
Try to accept people, even if they don’t live up to your expectations. Holiday TV specials are filled with happy endings. You can not force yourself to be happy just because it is the holiday season. Expect and accept imperfections.

5. Be Realistic.
Accept that things are not always going to go as planned. As families change and grow, traditions often change as well. Hold on to those you can and want to. But understand in some cases that may no longer be possible. Find new ways to celebrate together and create new traditions.