Five Tips for Reducing Stress During the Holidays

Remember how you used to count the days until the holidays began? If you find that you are now counting the days until the holidays are over, then you’re probably experiencing higher than usual stress levels. Try these tips to decrease stress and increase your enjoyment of the holiday season.

Wrap it up
As soon as you bring a new gift home from the mall, wrap it, label it, and stack it. You may even want to paper-code your gifts: red wrapping for your side of the family, gold for his. That way, everything is wrapped and ready to go at a moment’s notice, and you can see at glance which packages to grab on the way out the door.

Let it go, let it go, let it go
During the holidays, most of us are obliged to spend time with people with whom we may not normally tend to socialize: spouses’ co-workers, distant relatives, etc. Keeping your focus on the spirit of the season will enable you to turn a deaf ear to comments and conversations that might rub you the wrong way. Set aside grievances for a more appropriate time for discussion.

Take care of yourself
With so much more to do on a daily basis at this time of the year, you may find that you are scrimping on sleep, relaxation, and exercise – yet all of these are powerful anti-stress tools. Even if all you can manage is a 20-minute walk or a quick power nap, find pockets of time to care for yourself and you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges – and enjoy the joys – of the season.

Learn to say “No”
If you agree to tasks or social obligations that you’ll resent later, you’re setting yourself up for additional stress. The first step in saying “no” is saying, “Can I get back to you on that?” Then, when you have a moment to think clearly and honestly, objectively decide what your priorities are. If you determine you don’t want to meet a particular request, simply respond with, “I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it, but thank you for thinking of me.” No additional explanations required. Like your money, your time and energy are yours to invest as you see fit.

Have fun!
Go sledding with the children in your life. Make cookies without trying to copy the photos on the magazine cover. Listen to seasonal music and sing along. Treat yourself to a peppermint hot chocolate at your favorite café and enjoy some reading time. This is YOUR holiday, too, so find some time to do what makes you happy.

Interested in additional tips? Sing along with the CDC’s 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song at http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/12ways.htm

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