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Timely tips to ease holiday stress

2025-11-25 07:40:00, Shëndeti CNA

An overwhelming majority of Americans feel overwhelmed during the holidays, with an American Psychological Association survey finding that 89% of adults report feeling stressed. But there are ways you can minimize anxiety and take advantage of the season's joyous abundance.

Advice from experts:

• Set boundaries.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends giving yourself more grace and space by setting boundaries. Don't say yes to everything you're asked to do. Make realistic vacation plans and to-do lists and put the rest aside. Practice deep breathing before each task, and don't forget to include self-care.

• Do not overdo alcohol consumption and do not drink too much alcohol.

Moderation is key, so avoid peer pressure to overdo it. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• Enjoy family on your own terms.

While it can be enjoyable to spend time with family members, it can often be stressful. Feel free to take a break, go for a walk, or spend time alone to regain your composure.

• Keep conversations light.

Everyone has an opinion, but to avoid conflict during the holidays, it may be necessary to establish ground rules to avoid disruption and tension. Take a break if your efforts to minimize conflict are not successful.

• Connect with others.

Team up with a family member or friend to shop for groceries and cook. Working together helps relieve the stress of holiday entertaining. Ask your guests to help serve and clean up during meals, and don't be afraid to assign chores.

• Set realistic expectations.

No party is perfect. See inevitable mistakes or mishaps as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and flexibility. In fact, we often look at party mistakes with a smile or a laugh. Learn to let go of perfectionism because it doesn't exist.

• Give thanks.

Focus on your blessings and make a list every morning of three things you're grateful for, suggests Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist. "No matter how bad things are going, we can all find three things to be grateful for," she says. "List them in a journal or share them with a friend. It can be something as small as 'I'm glad it's sunny today,' or 'I'm glad I can go for a walk,' or 'I'm grateful for the clean water I have to drink.'"

• Rest to be at your best.

The AHA suggests sticking to a regular sleep schedule, aiming for seven to nine hours a night. Take time to stretch, do yoga, or take a short nap during the day. Taking an afternoon nap for no good reason can provide a much-needed break from the holiday madness./ CNA