By Mike Wood

The holidays were calling your name from store shelves and Internet advertising before Halloween even hit, but now that we’re in the thick of things, the crunch is really on, which means your stress level is likely through the roof or at least to the top of that Douglas fir in your living room.

Whether it’s Chanukah, Christmas or Kwanza that’s got you in a tizzy, take some sound advice and, like the winter weather, just chill. Stress causes wrinkles and is bad for your heart. Seriously. You want to stay healthy and keep stressors at bay for many holidays to come, right? Here are a few tips to keep you tip-top and help you destress during the hectic holiday season, when there are too many things to do and not enough hours on the clock. Whether it’s working yourself into panic attacks about visiting relatives, finding the perfect gifts, cooking the best meal or looking good for holiday gatherings, we’re suggesting you slow it down.

Set realistic goals

Unfortunately, the holidays have been commercialized. There’s really no escaping that. So, the best thing you can do is set realistic goals for everything on your list. Whether it’s prepping dinner, decorating the homestead or hitting the malls for everyone on your shopping list ~ don’t put so much pressure on yourself. This isn’t your first rodeo, right? You’ve done this before. You’ve been stressed before. Learn from your past missteps and keep the madness to a minimum.

Take on one thing at a time

You’ve got a litany of endless tasks on your plate. We know the feeling, but here’s a novel concept: Slow it down. Just because you may be expected to multi-task at the office, the holidays should be enjoyable for you, not just everyone around you. Take time to think about the things you like about the holidays and take the time to enjoy doing these things: Roasting chestnuts? Building a snowman? Cuddling in front of a cozy fire? Take pleasure in the simple things.

Breathe

Meditation helps, but if you don’t have time for that, just check out for a few minutes. Escape from whatever is jockeying for your time (or trying your last nerve) and make time for you. Yoga-type breathing exercises are therapeutic, and once you’ve had your moment for some deep breaths and centering, you can return to the fray. We suggest cornering someone under the mistletoe for a brief reprieve from the madness.

Exercise

We’re not suggesting a triathlon, power lifting or even the gym (although that works, too). Just take a walk. A brisk walk in the fresh air is good for you ~ even when it’s cold outside. Just dress accordingly and let Mother Nature soothe your soul. You can also pop in your earbuds, as listening to music while walking has been proven to help many pick up the pace and release more endorphins.

Have a glass of wine … or a cup of tea

When all else fails, a glass of red wine has health benefits that are greater than you might believe. Sure, it may help you deal with your beloved mother-in-law, but it’s also rich in antioxidants that have been proven to help you stay healthier with long-term, moderate consumption. Notice we recommended having a glass (that means one)! If you don’t drink, a cup of chamomile tea can do the trick, too. While it doesn’t have antioxidants, it does have calming and soothing properties that can help you wind down.

It’s all about making peace and quiet time for yourself so you can enjoy the festivities and not be frantic and overwhelmed. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? If you stick with these tips, you may be able to make sure it stays that way.