Coping With Holiday Stress

Most children wait eagerly for the holidays to arrive. Adults often have more mixed feelings. For them, the holidays mean increased stress: dashing to decorate the house, elbowing through crowds at the mall, fretting about the right gift or how to pay for it.

Relax. Don't let stress suck the joy out of your holiday season. These tips can help you keep stress under control so your holidays can be merry and bright.

1. Create a game plan. Spend a little time up front getting organized. Make a list of what you need to buy and plan your menu. Try to shop ahead of time, before things are picked over and you're under pressure. If you'll be cooking, think whether some items could be prepared ahead and frozen or refrigerated. 
2. Make a budget and stick to it. Money is one of the major stressors during the holidays. Don't dig yourself into a hole by overspending. A thoughtful gift doesn't have to be expensive. If money is tight, suggest a family gift exchange with a spending limit.
3. Accept reality. Guests may arrive late. Your kids may get on your nerves. The turkey may be dry. Your sister may be snarky. Real life isn't a holiday special. Don't expect perfect decorations, a perfect meal or perfect people. Try to go with the flow and enjoy what you have.
4. Beware of unhealthy stress relievers. Holiday stress causes some people fall into bad habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol or constant snacking. Think about any unhealthy habits you're prone to and other things you could do to relieve stress.
5. Create new traditions. Stressed out by the traditional festivities? Try something different. Instead of cooking a huge meal on your own, make it a potluck. Ask adults to bring gag gifts or have a "white elephant" or used book gift exchange. Attend a local holiday concert, walk the neighborhood to look at holiday lights or go sledding.
6. Make time for your health. In the holiday rush, don't let your well-being go by the wayside. Try to stay on your normal sleep schedule and get regular exercise. If you can't find a 30-minute chunk of time for exercise, break it up into three 10-minute sessions spread through the day.
7. Watch out for caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can increase your stress and interfere with sleep. Alcoholic drinks contain lots of calories, and drinking too much may make you feel depressed. Instead, drink plenty of water or try herb tea or seltzer.
8. Give yourself a break. In the midst of doing things for others, it's easy to forget to take care of ourselves. If you feel stress building up, get away for a few minutes. Find a quiet corner and do some deep breathing, listen to calming music or just sit. Or throw on a coat and slip outside for a while.
9. Enjoy! The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and togetherness. In the flurry of the holidays, we sometimes forget what we're celebrating. Remember to savor the time with people you love.