Holiday Stress Busters

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most stressful. With just days to go before Christmas and New Year’s here are some practical tips to help you minimize stress and enjoy the holidays.

• Take a look at your planned holiday activities. Are there events and activities you’re scheduled to attend that you just don’t enjoy? Consider minimizing them, doing them differently, or cutting them out all together. Rethink old habits!
• Plan easy meals. Double batch your favorite casseroles and put them the freezer for a quick meal on a busy day.
• Take a few minutes of each day to do something for yourself. A brisk walk can do wonders for reducing stress.
• Keep eating and sleep routines as close to normal as possible.
• Expect young children to misbehave. Remember they have short attention spans and tire easily. Don’t expect perfection from the little ones in your life.
• Make time for family fun! Plan fun activities such as baking cookies, trimming the tree, caroling, or taking a drive to see local Christmas displays.
• Laugh! Laughter is a natural stress buster. If you just can’t laugh start with a smile, the laughter will surly follow.