As I hear  people talk about how stressed they feel, I am concerned that we don’t over do it and collapse into a state of mess after all the celebration is over.

Our reasons for stress are legitimate. There are family get togethers, cooking and baking, decorating, meal planning, parties, gifts to buy, financial strain and more. The pace of life picks up.

So take a few moments de-stress with these three tips:

1)   Be realistic about what you can do. Don’t run around like a chicken with your head cut off. Slow down, evaluate your time and only take on what you can truly handle. Consider your situation. If you are financially strapped, cut back. If your health isn’t good, say NO to activities and get rest. If you recently divorced or lost a loved one, give yourself alone time to grieve.

2)   Try to maintain a routine. If you exercise, keep going to the gym. Or take those few moments and walk the dog everyday. Eat at regular times and get enough rest. Your physical care will go a long way to combating stress.

3)   When it comes to family, stay away from conflict. The busyness of the season often leaves us more raw in our emotions and we are more susceptible to irritation and agitation. So I recommend you practice a little peace on earth and table the family issues for another time.

4) Slow down.  If you feel your heart racing and your mind in overdrive, take a break. Get a cup of hot tea and relax with a magazine or book, take a walk and clear your head, get a massage, sit in a hot tub and soak for 20 minutes–just stop and regroup.

5) If there is too much to do, don’t do it.  Drop out of parties if there are too many. Don’t send Christmas cards this year if you can’t work it in. Buy  your dessert instead of making it. Pick one or two things that could be dropped and do it. The world as you know it will not fall apart.

Now enjoy the rest of the holiday. Deep breath! Relax!