How To Avoid Stress During The Holidays

Avoid stress during the holidays? Seriously? It seems inevitable – families gather together, there are shorter work weeks but the same deadlines to meet, shopping lists galore, holiday parties and office lunches, traffic and more traffic – all can cause your stress levels to go through the roof!

Sometimes we need a time out. When you feel you’re almost at that point – walk away. Count to 10 or 20 or 100. Go outside for some fresh (and probably cold) air. If possible, take a power nap. Do whatever you need to do to bring your blood pressure down and your emotions in check.

Drink plenty of water. It is amazing how many side effects there are from being dehydrated.  Often we do not even realize we are dehydrated.  Often during the holidays, are soda and alcohol intake may increase – make sure you are drinking adequate water.  Dehydration can cause headaches, irritability and tiredness.

Remember what the holidays are truly about – some of the things we get stressed and bent out of shape about are truly non-essentials in the grand scheme of life.  Try to focus on the positives even in the most negative situations. Have fun, laugh ’til you cry and enjoy the precious time you have to spend with family and friends.

Accept the fact that there are some items on your to-do list that just will not get done. If it helps – while making any mental or physical lists, make a notation by items that are not “must do’s”. This way if you don’t get to them, you won’t stress out.  Also, do not forget to delegate and let some things go.  Accept help when others offer it and ask for help when they don’t.

Have a wonderful holiday season, Divas!