The winter holidays can be a mixed bag for many people.  Traditionally a time for family get togethers, religious observation, and new resolutions, it is also statistically the most stressful time of year.  Learn how to tackle holiday stress before it sneaks up on you.

These tips can be used throughout the year for a healthier, happier you.

Body

• Breathe deeply.

  Take several deep breaths throughout the day. If it helps, close your eyes.  Fully extend your stomach on the inhale, hold for several seconds, then slowly exhale.

• Exercise regularly.
  1. Walk on your lunch break; take the stairs; offer to walk a neighbor's dog.
  2. Find community exercise classes, alternatives to working out in a gym and tips for getting started at: www.beehivetwincities.org.
  3. If interested in joining a gym, check with your healthcare provider because many offer discounted membership programs at exercise facilities like the YWCA of St. Paul, a partner agency.
• Make sleep a priority.

  Most people need between 6 and 10 hours per night.  Allow yourself enough sleep time, establish a regular sleep schedule, get continuous sleep and make up for lost sleep as soon as possible.

• Refill your medications.

  Many pharmacies are closed or close early on holidays and on the eves. Don't have insurance?  The Beehive has information about assistance paying for medications and health care.

Mind

• Be realistic.

  Assess what your time and emotional limitations are.  If it helps, write down everything you want to accomplish and then prioritize the list.  Allow yourself flexibility; striving for impossible perfection can cause emotional burn-out.

• Create a holiday budget.

  Figure out how much you can realistically spend per person and stick to it.   Need help with creating a budget?  Check out www.beehivetwincities.org.

• Do something for someone else.

  Focusing on others can help give you perspective about your own life. United Way Caring Connection has hundreds of volunteer opportunities to choose from.

• Educate yourself about S.A.D.

  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is believed to be caused by decreased sunlight in the fall and winter. A common condition, anyone can experience SAD, but it generally affects people in northern climates.

• Enlist help.

  Assign some household chores to your kids/roommate/spouse. After prioritizing a holiday to-do list, pace yourself.  If you can't do everything on your list, consider eliminating the bottom 3 items.

• Focus on today.

  Memories are important but dwelling on the "good old days" can lead to sadness and depression.  Remember that life brings changes and this year might be a good time to start a new tradition.

• Save time for yourself.

  Schedule downtime for yourself every day.  Listen to soft music, write in your journal, sit in your garden—anything that rejuvenates you. If you have children, schedule downtime for them, as well.

• Visit supportive people.

  Make time to see your friends, especially those you haven't seen in awhile.   Or make a new friend by asking a co-worker or neighbor to lunch.

Food & Drink

• Avoid fad diets.

  Fad diets and "crash" diets can wreak havoc on your body and directly affect your mood.  In the long-run, a balanced diet and exercise is the best way to keep off unwanted weight and manage stress.   Always check with your physician before starting a diet program.

• Drink alcohol in moderation.

  Alcohol affects your body's ability to manage stress and excessive drinking can increase feelings of depression.

• Eat breakfast.

  The Mayo Clinic found that eating breakfast is linked to many health benefits including a stronger immune system, better weight control and lower cholesterol.

• Monitor your portions.

  Did you know a 1/2 cup portion of fruit is about the size of a tennis ball?   The American Diabetes Association offers portion management tips and diabetic recipes at: www.diabetes.org.

• Substitue food fat.

  Many holiday treats contain hidden fat. Did you know applesauce can be used instead of butter?  Yogurt in place of sour cream?  To cook healthier holiday meals, check out more ingredient substitution ideas at: www.mayoclinic.com.

Travel

• Create Plan B.

  Come up with a contingency plan, just in case.  Consider staying at a hotel or leaving early, especially if your host gets overwhelmed.

• Hold your mail.

  The U.S. Postal Service recommends holding your mail until you return—avoid mail theft and potential identity theft.  Make a request online at: www.usps.com or call: 800-275-8777.

• Make pet arrangements early.

  Boarding facilities fill up quickly around holidays and long weekends.  If arranging a house/pet sitter, consider a back-up sitter as well.   Always leave emergency contact information in a conspicuous area, like on your refrigerator.

• Take one credit card.

  If possible, travel with just one (or none). It will be much easier to report one lost or stolen card. Write down all credit card numbers and store in a safe place.

Sources: United Way 2-1-1™/The Twin Cities Beehive, YWCA of St. Paul, American Diabetes Association, Mayo Clinic, National Mental Health Association , United States Postal Service, Minnesota Office of Attorney General

See more tipsheets