Got the holiday blues? Let us help!

It’s a time for sleigh bells, warm gingerbread and Peace on Earth, right? Then what’s with the holiday blues? Is it all the crazy traffic? Family drama? Sucky presents? Don’t despair! It’s not too late to put a little sanity back into your holiday season. Here are some tips to help you cope with – or maybe even avoid – holiday stress.

Ease up on the spending

You still paying off last year’s bills? It’s time to rethink your gift-giving habits! Expensive does not equal better. Consider doing a Secret-Santa type gift exchange with your family.

Do it Santa style!

Make a list and check it twice! This will keep you organized and will help you avoid last minute panic shopping.

Steer clear of family feuds

Let’s face it, the holiday dinner table can become a battlefield. Try to avoid the drama by involving everyone in the planning, but if all your efforts fail, when your uncles start sniping and throwing biscuits, take that as your cue and go for a walk or just leave the room.

Jog it out!

Getting regular physical activity works wonders when coping with stress. Breaking a sweat will help reduce anxiety and elevate your mood. Stretching your muscles also helps ease tension.

Eat those veggies and be merry

When you’re sick, you stress easier so it helps your mood to have good nutrition. Drop that fifth sugar cookie. It will not make you feel better!

Appreciate the little things

Sometimes getting into the holiday spirit is as easy as putting on a holiday song so break out that dusty Chipmunks album and start singing!

Chill out!

You may have imagined your holidays to look a certain way but don’t flip out if your vision doesn’t happen to your exact specifications. No holiday in the history of civilization has ever gone perfectly, so relax, have a good time, and remember this season only happens once a year!

Give back

Doing something for others has a magical way of making people feel good about themselves. And DoSomething.org has some great ideas on how to volunteer this holiday or just visit our Act Now page, type in your zip code and get a list of volunteer opportunities in your area.

Happy Holidays folks!