Take Stress Breaks
Don't Overschedule
If you usually only go out once or twice a month, the holidays can be a shocker. Don't pack your schedule with absolutely everything that's going on. Pick a few favorites, and enjoy them as much as you can.
Listen to Music
When holiday stress is getting to you, take it easy with music. Cue your favorite playlists or find calming classics on Spotify. Or, if you need to head-bang, we're not stopping you. Whatever takes away the stress and makes wrapping presents, shopping for Christmas Eve dinner or decking the halls more fun.
Drop Traditions You Hate
Don't like Elf on a Shelf? Get rid of him. Hate Christmas caroling? We won't tell. But don't go. Do only the holiday traditions that you truly enjoy. All the rest are just sucking up your time and energy.
Be With People You Like
Christmas and New Year's are times we often spend with extended family, which isn't always a good thing. If that's your situation, make sure you're also spending as much time as you can with people that you like. Organize get-togethers that are fun and easy to go to.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to manage stress, including the kind covered in snowflakes and presents. Pull out the yoga mat between office holiday parties and your New Year's Eve haircut and color. Go for a run in an indoor track a few hours before you need to start cooking. Even if you can only stretch, mindfully focus on your body and feeling good when holiday prep is at 11.
Eat Well
Between Christmas cookie exchanges and over-the-top ham dinners, week after week of holiday fun can leave you feeling bloated and overfed. As much as you can, choose healthful foods, saving the carb and sugar overloading for special meals.
