You know it and I know it that the Holiday season is very close, with Thanksgiving coming up and then Hanukkah or Christmas shortly after, you might be on the verge of cracking. Stress and worry might be creeping up on you.

Chances are, this will only get worse as the dates grow closer so I you may want to take a look below for a few tips that will help you relax and make the most of your Holidays because this is the time of the year when you shoud feel the peace in your soul rather than your heart pumping faster and faster.

1. Get enough sleep
   The less sleep you get, the less able you will be to cope with stress and anxiety. This creates a vicious circle as with more stress and anxiety the less sleep you will be getting! As days go on, you’ll be more tired, more stressed and the consequences are that more and more things will not get done. This can be nipped in the bud from early on, sleep the right hours a night.
2. Eat right
   You will need your energy to get through this eventful time so don’t skip meals and eat lots of energy filled foods. Keep away from alcohol and sugars that will make you more tired in the end.
3. Do not overdo and set your limits
   There is only so much one person can do. If you are in charge of getting the family together, cooking or decorating you might feel like you are drowning in responsibilities. Set your limits before starting any one thing. For example, you need to call your family and friends to invite them over for Thanksgiving dinner. Set a time limit to how long this task will take. Family and friends love to talk, simply remind them of how busy you are and that you will have plenty of time to chat during dinner in a few weeks.
4. Split the work
   Bring in your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, children, friends. Ask them to pick a task that they think they will be able to do. Not only will this alleviate the burden on your shoulders, by giving them the option to pick a task, but your partner(s) will not feel pressured into helping you thus reducing resentment.
5. Do not spend too much money
   Money restraints generate a lot of stress. Budget well and keep to the budget. This will reduce your stress during and after the holidays. Many know how much stress is caused by getting that credit card bill the month after Christmas. If you don’t spend more than you budgeted for, paying your holiday bill will be smooth and void of stress.
6. Do not get stressed if your plans aren’t working out as planned
   Some things you just can’t avoid and I’m thinking of cancellations right now. Plan ahead for possible complications and if something happens that you were not prepared for, breath, relax and know that stressing out will not solve the problem. It is only with a clear mind that you will be able to work through any complication.
7. Finally, cooking for the holiday stressing you out?
   Have a buffet! Have your family and/or friends bring something for the big day. Keep track of who brings what so that you don’t have fifteen salads and no cookies. The atmosphere will be warm and you’ll get lots of food on the table so everyone should be happy.

Following these tips will reduce your stress during and after the holiday season. The most important tip up there is the fact that you shouldn’t skip out on sleep or food because this is what gives you energy. You are not Superman or Superwoman and more importantly you don’t have to do it all.

By organizing and splitting the work you will enjoy the holidays as they should be enjoyed: by not worrying about, if everything is perfect.

[photo by danusunt]