• Lack of money (61%)
• Pressures of gift-giving (42%)
• Lack of time (34%)
• Credit card debt (23%)1

1. See stress for what it is. Stress happens. Life happens. Viewing normal life events as uncontrollable, personal attacks “wires" you to produce more and more cortisol, drive up your blood pressure, and jeopardize your health. But seeing normal life events as — well, normal — enables your body to "come down" from stressful situations more quickly and stop the vicious stress cycle before it gets out of control.

1. 
   
   
2. Eat, drink, and be merry — within reason. The holidays are meant for celebration, not overindulgence. Use our holiday eating guide to make wise — and healthy — choices. Having some Digestive Enzymes handy could also be helpful to prevent indigestion from too many rich foods.
   
   
   
3. Exercise for your sanity's sake. When the stress seems overwhelming, take an exercise break. Just 30 minutes a day — a brisk walk, a run on the treadmill, or strength training — gives you a powerful tool to fend off stress. Exercise not only helps you manage weight and is good for your body, but it can help you de-stress and clear your mind. And with a clear mind, you can make better decisions about what’s good for you this holiday season.
   
   
   
4. Rein in the shopping. Instead of searching out the latest gadget or this year’s “must have" toy…stop: you don’t have to add to the national debt or indulge everyone’s whim. Limit your gift-giving to an important few. Stay home and shop on the Internet. Or go to the mall at the least busy times. Better yet, give the gift that everyone treasures: time. Plan a family vacation, treat friends to dinner, take a little one to a favorite museum. Memories are not found in things, but in the time you spend with those you care about most.
   
   
   
5. Give unto others. Smile at a stranger , donate food and clothing, help at the homeless shelter, wrap presents for children who would otherwise have none . Take the focus off yourself and put the spotlight on someone else. Caring for another bonds you to humanity in a way like no other—and keeps your feet on the ground.
   
   
   
6. Get the attitude of gratitude. Make a list of everything you’re grateful for and add to it every day. It doesn’t have to be big, just meaningful. Holding a puppy, seeing a stellar sunset, giving someone a hand, keeping your sanity — just be thankful for the opportunity to live!
   
   
   
7. Make it real. Even though Hollywood and Madison Avenue might wish it to be so, Christmas is not about creating the perfect family holiday. It’s about enjoying what’s here and now. Keep expectations real, and don’t try to solve long-simmering issues at the family dinner. Allow your gathering to have its own life—whatever that may be.
   
   
   
8. Take time for yourself. Taking care of yourself helps you to take better care of others in your life. Go for a long walk or take a drive in your Monte Carlo , or take time out to read or listen to your favorite music. By slowing down you will actually have more energy to accomplish your goals.'
9. Bonus edit below : )
10. Oh Don't 4-get to send a `Kid (like `Space) a gift LOL
    
    
    

 

 

I do not feel stressed at all! I love Christmas and the whole season!

I do not feel financial strain - that is certainly a key. A the key to not feeling financial strain is to not "own" things that you have to pay for.

I encourage everyone to ham it up the Holiday Season! Get a fuzzy red hat and wear it everywhere - I do! Decorate and get into it, even if your not into it. You might find that if you pretend to be enjoying yourself that you are actually enjoying yourself!

Go cut down a tree!

 

How do i handle stress? I go to the local arcade and drop a bunch of quarters and whack the pee out of the Whack-A-Mole game.

 

 

Yes Space, Lisa is doing much much better. The Dr loves how the cuts are healing that she is in great spirits.

 

but JJ, i thought you brought your own sledgehammer?


im honestly probibly one of the most laid back people around, sure i have pet peeves but for the most part nothing really gets to me. holiday stress? no way, i think i stress others out with my lack of stress, lol.

 

..Hi `Ryan, you are a lucky man 4-Sure...I got that impression from all your many post contributions that you are a laid back person that enjoys life. I like that character in a person. I think your beautiful area that you live helps, and you always seem to be involved in projects that you enjoy.
Thanks for your post/words and I hope that you laid backed attitude is contagious to all our member's 4-Real....:
Happy Stress`free Holidays to you & readers of this

 

Not stressed by the holidays this year, but life in general - yes. I finished my Christmas shopping Nov 30th. I do still have to get cooking stuff but until I settle on what I'm making that'll wait.

 

Choosing my vote is stressing me out.