10 Foolproof Holiday Stress Tips

Make this year a stress free holiday

This holiday can be your best when you incorporate some of these holiday stress tips. You don’t have to let large crowds, heavy traffic, waiting in lines at overcrowded stores, overeating, overspending, unrealistic expectations or dysfunctional family issues put you over the edge this year.

Tips for Holiday Stress Relief:

1. Just let whatever happens be okay. Of all the holiday stress tips, this is the one that can have the biggest impact on having a stress free holiday. This is so easy and yet years of habits and unrealistic expectations prevent us from just going with the flow and accepting the wonderful imperfections of the holidays. Give up the Norman Rockwell image in your head and the expectation that this year things will be different. You can’t change all the people and conditions around you and trying to do so only causes more stress.

2. Take extra care of your mind. Meditation or Yoga are great tools for holiday stress relief.

3. Take extra care of your body. You know you feel better when you exercise and it can be especially beneficial during the holidays when you’re more likely to be overwhelmed and stressed. After exercise, do your body more good by taking a soothing bath or try a massage.

4. Give. Helping others during the holidays is a great way to get perspective on what’s important. You always help yourself when you are helping others. Whether you volunteer at a shelter, give toys to needy kids, or invite someone to dinner who is alone this year – you will feel so much more gratitude for all your blessings when you reach out to others.

5. Get Help. Why do you think you have to do it all yourself? Ask your family and friends to pitch in. Most people want to be included in the holiday planning so LET THEM. Things may not be exactly the perfect way you envision things in your head, but you want a happy holiday – not a perfect looking holiday. No one will care if the potatoes are lumpy or the presents aren’t wrapped perfectly.

6. Give gifts that don’t put you in debt. One of the positive things to come out of this current economic climate is that people are more aware of how they spend their money. There’s no reason you have to overspend during the holidays. The people on your list will understand if you have to cut down this year. Maybe you’ll have to cut people off your gift list altogether or give a smaller more heartfelt gift like home baked cookies. Give gifts of meaning rather than gifts with a high price tag.

7. Don’t be extreme. Don’t cut out all your favorite foods and drinks, but don’t overindulge to the point of feeling out of control. Pick one or two of your favorite holiday dishes and savor every mouthful. Leave the guilt at the door - this is one of my favorite holiday stress tips.

8. Have fun. Make having fun your top priority. We sometimes forget this during all the craziness of the holiday season. Schedule your fun - watch funny movies, play fun games, or just laugh with friends.

9. Just Say No. Holiday stress management can be found in just one simple word – NO. Just say NO to one or two things on your To Do list and watch some of the stress melt away.

10. M.O.J.I.TO – Be Happy. (My Only Job Is To Be Happy). Remember this while you’re dealing with all the people and events that usually drive you crazy and you will enjoy the best holiday ever.

Don't forget to share these holiday stress tips with your friends, family and coworkers.