How to Deal with Holiday Stress (10 ways)

Things are tight (for many of us). And the holidays are here! Combine holiday season with things being tight and what do you get? (Starts and ends with an "s".) Stress.

Webster's defines stress as: "bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium." (In simpler terms, you're frazzled.)

People deal with holiday stress in different ways. Some get angry. Some feel sorry for themselves. Some go on binges (drinking, shopping). Others get real busy. (Workaholics are a perfect example.) It could be just about anything that overtakes a person when they're stressed (insomnia, drug addiction ~ even suicide).

There are things we can do / ways to deal with and minimize stress. I've put together a list of them below. This isn't scientific or anything. It's just coming from inside my head. I think we learn these over the years. The problem is we don't always put them into practice. (I'm guilty of that.) I encourage you to not just read these, but apply them, too (I'm feeling less stress already)...

How to Deal With Holiday Stress (10 ways):

1. Don't give in to unrealistic expectations.
2. Live within your means.
3. Go to the malls during off peak hours.
4. Take a break and get some fresh air.
5. Spend time with people that give you hope.
6. Avoid eating too many holiday treats.
7. Watch a movie that makes you laugh.
8. Refuse to worry about the future.
9. Lift somebody up who's in worse shape than you.
10. Remember, the important things money can't buy.

You might also be interested in:

• 21 “Joy” Enhancers
• On Black Friday