1.    Create a plan for your holiday shopping list with the names of the people, a few gift ideas, a set budget amount, and possible places to purchase. This will help you to be organized because you’ll know at a glance what needs to be done as well as how much you want to spend.  It is often easy to get caught up in the shopping frenzy and over-spend, which increases  post-holiday stress when the credit card bills start to arrive in your mail.

2.    Plan to go shopping in the evening or early morning to avoid the masses.

3.    Keep all your receipts together to make returns painless.

4.    Watch your diet. Sugar, preservatives, alcohol, caffeine, and white flour can all increase anxiety and stress. Incorporate more protein and veggies.  Of course I don’t have to remind you to stay hydrated.

5.    Maintain proper sleep, even a short nap helps the body to heal and restore, with the added bonus of keeping your immune system strong so you can avoid catching a nasty cold or flu.

6.    Reduce the stress from too many parties and celebrations. Becoming too overwhelmed can make even the “Best of the Season” unpleasant.

7.    Consider restricting time with those you don’t get on well with.  It is good to maintain strong healthy boundaries.

8.    Stuck in traffic? Stuck in a line up? Take a few deep breaths and long slow exhales. Take the opportunity to think of some happy thoughts, rather than letting the stress get to you.