The holiday season is upon us. While it can be a wonderful and joyous time of year, it can also be stressful. Healthy UNH has put together a list of ideas to help you not only survive the holidays, but enjoy them.

1. Identify your stressors. What stresses you out the most? Why? Identifying your stressors and their causes can be helpful in creating a game plan for a successful holiday season.
2. Care for yourself as you would a young child. Go to bed on time. Eat right. Remember to exercise a little each day. Get some fresh air. Have fun.
3. Exercise. Regular exercise can act as a natural stress-reducer. It releases endorphins, helps to induce a meditative state, and can boost your mood. Make time for exercise each day and feel your stress melt away.
4. Set realistic eating goals. With all of the tempting treats the holiday season has to offer, it can be hard to eat healthy during this time. Splurge on the things you really like and skip the others. Be conscious of portion sizes. Don’t skip meals. And try to make healthy choices when you can.
5. Sleep. It is really easy to skimp on sleep when you are out late at parties and your shopping list is growing by the hour. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
6. Define what the holidays mean to you.  Are they about traditions? Spending time with family? Shopping ‘til you drop? Whatever you decide, don’t lose sight of it.
7. Prioritize and schedule. Do you really need to send out 300 Christmas cards? Or make cookies for the school holiday party?  Prioritize things you must do and things you can budge on. Pull out your calendar and schedule time to accomplish your tasks and spend time on the things that matter most.
8. Create a budget and stick to it. The cost of gifts can really add up. And don’t forget wrapping paper, holiday cards, and travel; the list goes on. Set a budget for yourself now and then breathe easy when your credit card bills arrive in January.
9. Diffuse family tensions. Does Great Aunt Margaret make your blood boil when she shares her differing political views? Do the same family grudges get brought up year after year? Agree to set sensitive topics off-limits, keep a sense of humor and make family members feel included by asking for help.

10.  Set an attainable New Year’s Resolution. Successful New Year’s Resolutions are measureable. Instead of vowing to “exercise every day,” be specific. Resolve to get up earlier four days per week and exercise for 30 minutes. Set up an action plan that helps you keep track of your progress. Anticipate obstacles and remember to reward yourself for your hard work.