Ask yourself whether you really want to accept every holiday party invitation. For some, whirlwind events of the holiday season can easily result in stress overload. Remember that taking care of you sometimes means saying no to others.
Know your budget for holiday shopping and give yourself a big pat on the back for not exceeding it.
Recognize that if you traditionally do not get along with certain family members that will not change during the holidays. A person will be disappointed if he or she expects to get along with everyone in the family just because it is the holiday season. Being realistic is the first step to avoiding that kind of stress. Be true to yourself, and if you have bad feelings about someone, do not try to pretend all is well.
Time management is important all year, but more so around the holidays. Allow extra time for everything you plan. Prioritize your activities and stick to the list.
Limit the amount of food and alcohol you consume.
Make time for physical activity. Exercise is a natural stress-reducer.
Carve out a little quiet time for yourself. Take a walk, a bath or a nap.
Go with the flow. Try not to be overly critical if things don’t go as planned.
If you are separated from family and friends or have suffered the loss of a loved one, acknowledge your feelings of grief and loss, and allow yourself to express these normal feelings.