Enjoy the Season More by Worrying Less
Think for a minute about an upcoming holiday. What comes to mind—good times shared with family and friends or an unfinished to-do list? If you picked the to-do list, you may be suffering from holiday-related stress.

In addition to mental effects, stress has physical effects that can be quite harmful. When your body is stressed, it reacts with a “fight or flight” response that releases a burst of hormones that blocks the effect of insulin. This could drastically increase or decrease your blood glucose to dangerous levels.

So how can you reduce holiday stress?
Try these five stress-reducing steps:

Acknowledge your feelings.
Sometimes identifying what is making you stressed can help you find a solution. Realize how hectic the holiday season can be and give yourself a break.

Set differences aside.
Your family members are under a lot of stress just like you. Do your best to be patient and the holidays will be more enjoyable for everyone.

Plan ahead.
With your list of people to shop for, meals to plan, friends to visit and gifts to wrap, writing out a daily schedule might help you manage your busy life.

Avoid perfection.
It's all right that you can't bake a picture-perfect pie, make it to your niece's school play or find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Learn to say no sometimes and just take things as they come. You'll find yourself much calmer at the end of the day and enjoying the season much more.

Remember to stay healthy.
Maintaining your health by eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep will help you stay energetic and alert.

Holidays take some work, it's true. But this year, make sure relaxing and enjoying your holidays with loved ones is first on your to-do list.

Just Breathe
Need a little help relaxing? Try this breathing exercise:

1. Find a comfortable, quiet place in your house free from distractions.
2. Sit or lie down with your back straight and arms and legs uncrossed.
3. Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale as much air as you can through your mouth. Repeat for the duration of the exercise.
4. Let your mind empty of all thoughts and focus on your breathing.
5. As you breathe, tighten and relax your muscles one at a time until your whole body is relaxed.
6. Do this for 5 to 20 minutes each day or whenever you feel your stress levels increasing.