“The hustle and bustle of preparing for family and friends can cause us to feel rushed and overwhelmed,” explained Jeffrey Clearwater, LLP, MA, Psychologist at Allegan General Hospital’s Psychological Medicine office. “Unrealistic expectations to create the ‘perfect’ holiday can cause anxiety. That additional stress, which can be self induced or brought on by other family members, on top of daily stressors can be tremendous.”

Clearwater notes that stress is part of everyday life. However, the build-up of stressors can lead to crisis if action is not taken to manage the stress. “The holidays are a particularly important time to be aware of what stressors affect you so that you can better manage the situation and not dampen the spirit of the season for yourself and everyone around you,” said Clearwater.

Listed below are some stress management tips that Clearwater recommends:

• Perspective -- Put the holiday into perspective and avoid trying to please everyone.
• Visualize – Plan ahead how to handle potentially unpleasant situations. If Aunt Betty and Cousin Billy don’t get along, make sure they don’t
  get seated together at the family dinner table.
• Routine – Regardless of the holidays, maintain your exercise routine. If you don’t have one, start one. Even using the stairs or going on walks
  helps you physically and reduces your stress level.
• Moderation – Don’t go overboard on holiday spending, decorating or entertaining, all of which can lead to added post-holiday stress. Consider
  on-line shopping to avoid stressful shopping experiences. Take advantage or free shipping, free gift wrapping and no sales tax in certain
  purchasing areas.
• Selective -- Pick and choose your holiday activities. Emphasizes what’s important to you and minimizes what’s not. Buy some
  pre-baked goods this year; co-op with other parents for school festivities; choose to stay home some nights; or volunteer to help
  others to put your stress in the right perspective.
• Humor – Get a sense of one. One burned pie does not a ruined dinner make.
• Relax – Make time for yourself. Find time to enjoy the holidays for yourself. They are meant to be enjoyed by everyone.