Do the holidays tend to make you feel completely run-down? Have you been desperately seeking stress tips for the season that have only told you advice similar to 'Finish your holiday shopping before Thanksgiving'? If you are close to a Christmas breakdown or if you just need help relaxing try some of these tips for a stress-free energy boost:

-Don't Neglect Your Health

Make sure not to miss any meals or add a last-minute crash diet to your busiest time of the year. Eat healthy (and regularly), drink as much water as you can and try to get adequate sleep (Try these natural insomnia remedies).

-Avoid Caffeine

It will just add to your stress (Especially if it means standing in line at Starbucks at anytime during the month of December)

-Exercise

Make time for some light cardio or yoga (We love this chart of easy yoga poses). You may think you have no time or energy to exercise, but making time to work out will energize you and help you easily shed some stress.

-Prioritize Time with Family & Friends

The holidays are about spending time with loved ones. Avoid getting swept up in the commercialization of the season by using the little bit of time you have left to make holiday memories with friends, rather than holiday memories of standing in line alone at Wal-Mart for hours.

-Be Productive

Start your day with the tasks you've been avoiding the most- Accomplishing something you've been putting off will give you an energizing sense of self-satisfaction and give you one less (major) thing to stress over.

If you are stressed to the point that your holiday is quickly becoming a nightmare, try some of these simple ideas:

• Get up an hour early. What difference does it really make if we get up at 7am or 6am? Regardless of what time you wake up you're bound to feel tired. By setting your alarm slightly earlier you'll manage to have more time in the day.
• Feel free to say 'No' to last-minute favors, invites, or anything else you don't really want to do or have time for.
• Ask for help- Feeling stressed is often associated with a feeling of isolation. Instead of trying to accomplish everything on your own, ask your family and friends for a hand with helping you cook or picking up wine, etc.

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More Stress Remedies

How do you avoid holiday stress? Share your tips in the comments!

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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