Sierra Blogging Post Archives

Stress can strike any time of year, but let's face it -- there's enormous potential for stress during the holiday season. Thanksgiving and Christmas should be times of happiness and laughter, but with all the shopping, decorating, traveling, eating, indulging, and running around, it's all too easy to feel overwhelmed.

So, how do we manage to get through these best of times with nothing but smiles on our faces? We just need to learn a few simple rules...

1. You simply can't do everything and be everywhere. It's okay to skip "A Christmas Carol" this year if you have other things going on.

2. Check your expectations at the door and give yourself a break. The holidays don't have to be picture perfect. Be flexible and concentrate on enjoying the time spent with loved ones, not on whether your holiday table looks enough like the one in Southern Living magazine.



3. Stick to your exercise plan. Make time for your daily workout session -- it could be the most important, stress-relieving thing you do for yourself over the holidays.

4. Don't overindulge (too much). Most people wouldn't dream of eating all year the way we do over the holidays (the average holiday weight gain is 6 - 12 pounds). Weight gain can cause stress and depression, and take much longer to burn off than it did to put on. Eat your favorite holiday foods, just watch your portions. Fill up on salads and soup instead, skip the gravy, or enjoy a tiny slice of pie.

5. Stay organized when shopping so you don't have to do things twice. Keep a running list of everything you need for dinner and for under the tree. Spread out the shopping so you don't have to do it all at once. Shop online at Sierra Trading Post to make things super easy on yourself.

6. Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Getting outdoors, if only for a brisk walk once a day, will do wonders for your spirit.

7. Get plenty of sleep! If you make it to bed at a reasonable time, wake up an hour earlier every day. If you do that for a week, you'll have seven extra hours to write Christmas cards, wrap presents, etc.

8. Don't be afraid to ask for help... wrapping, cooking, shopping, baking, whatever.

9. Give back to someone in need. Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen, buying toys for a family in need, or donating to the Salvation Army.

10. Take the time to remember what the holidays are all about and what makes them special to you.