How to Handle Stress Over the Holidays

It is easy to feel overwhelmed during the holidays. There is gift buying, decorating, cards to send, special meals to prepare, parties to attend, not to mention family visiting and all the while going to work every day and the usual chores at home. There are ways to cut down on stress so you can enjoy the holidays more.

Instructions

1. Stay active, not just busy, during the holiday season. Wear a pedometer to see how many steps you take when shopping and running errands. Try to get 10,000 a day. Take a lap around the mall before entering a store in order to get extra steps into your routine.

2. Go to the gym for your usual class or workout. Plan to do some activities with your family and friends. Walk the neighborhood to see all of the decorations, go skating or sledding, or put music on and dance. If there is a local charity walk/run, like the Jingle Bell Run, sign up the entire family and make it a contest to see who finishes first.

3. When going to a party, offer to bring a vegetable or fruit tray. That way you know there will be something healthy to eat.Eating a little something before you go, like a salad or cup of soup, helps you stay in control when eating the holiday treats.If you go to a party when you feel like you are starving, any willpower you might have is gone as soon as you see the chips and dips or cheese plate.

4. Delegate as much as you can when it comes to house cleaning, cooking, even gift wrapping. Let the rest of your family contribute to the holiday preparations so you do not feel like you are doing it all yourself.

5. Take time for yourself every day. Soak in a bathtub, read or listen to your favorite music; put your feet up and close your eyes even for just 5 minutes. You will feel relaxed and refreshed and ready for the next round of chores or parties.

6. Remember that the holidays will end and that everyone will get back to their routines soon. If something does not get done, don't fret. Chances are, no one will even notice. And if they do, put them in charge of it next year.

7. Don't overeat and drink too much just because it is the holdiays. Drink water before, during and after any event. Choose foods that are only around during December and forget about snacks that are available all year like cheese, chips and dips, and candy.

8. Write yourself to-do lists with the dates and times, like for doctor's appointments or carpools. Be sure to write them on your calendar, too. If you see it, you will do it. Don't rely on your memory for all of the activities and obligations during this time.

9. Anticipate your needs and change in routine. Keep the car filled with gas; leave your car keys and glasses in the same place for the morning. Even lay out at night what you will wear the next morning, and put out anything that you will need to take with you. You might even put things in your car the night before so you will not forget them.

10. Eat on a regular basis and be sure to include fruit and vegetables at most meals and snacks. If you become too hungry, angry, lonely or tired, bad habits or overdoing will occur on a regular basis.