During the holiday season, the parties, family gatherings, social obligations and need to be everything to everyone can be overwhelming and contribute to holiday stress. Managing stress during the holidays does not necessitate that we shorten our to-do list. But feelings of stress should motivate us “to do something” that may affect the way we look at what we have to do.

Sometimes, simple recipes are all we need to mitigate stress and feel more present in our lives. The following bullets are what my patients have reported to me over the years as effective stress-relieving tools. Finding calm is personal, so stress-relieving activities vary for everyone. A few suggestions:

• Massage- I often hear people say that massages help them to relax, but they neglect to take the time to book an appointment. During this holiday season, give yourself a gift and just book it!
• Exercise- whatever it is you enjoy: yoga, pilates, tennis, jogging, spinning, hiking, walking…
• Facial
• Reflexology
• Aromatherapy (smell as needed or add to bath)- some stress relieving scents: lavender, clary sage, frankincense and bergamot.
• Bead a necklace or bracelet and include an amethyst stone to induce serenity and calmness.
• Acupuncture
• Biotherapy
• Meditation
• Read a magazine: Whatever appeals to you- The Economist, New Yorker, Mothering, People, US Weekly…
• Manicure and Pedicure
• Walk on the beach
• Walk in the mountains
• Epson Salt Bath
• Knitting
• Journal your thoughts and intentions
• Go to or rent a movie
• Laugh

Stress often responds to these simple activities. Other times, you may need a little support with an individualized stress-relieving treatment plan. Stress can be overwhelming and interfere adversely with your daily activities by contributing to feelings of uneasiness, anger and irritability. Our attitudes, perceptions and personality traits have a direct correlation to whether a stressor is able to affect the body. If you feel that you need some extra support during the holiday season, please follow-up with a healthcare professional.