The holiday season can be the most joyful time of year, but as many of you know, it can also be the most stressful. With all of the hustle and bustle of getting everything in order for family gatherings and Santa’s arrival, anxiety and even depression can seep in, making the season not as bright. The good news is you can do something about it.
Taking care of yourself — mind, body, and spirit — will help you reduce stress so you can really enjoy yourself. Of course, these three aspects are interrelated, so when you change your approach in one area, you might just find the benefits spilling over.

Mind

Don’t let mental stress get in the way of a happy holiday. Here are some suggestions for dealing with how you think.

• Stay Positive: Positivity keeps your stress levels down. It can be hard to look on the bright side when it seems like everything is going wrong, but do it for the sake of your health. Your body reacts to your thoughts. When you think negatively, your body works harder, which increases stress levels.
• Make a Plan: Many people feel frazzled during the holiday season because they have a lot more on their plate than they usually do. The best way to cope with this is to make a plan. It doesn’t have to be a strict one because that can stress you out even more. Just have a general idea of what you need to do when and try to stick to it.
• Be Realistic: In a survey by the American Psychological Association, 41 percent of participants found they were better able to deal with stress when they adjusted their expectations. Nothing has to be perfect. It just has to be good enough. When you take this pressure off your shoulders, you’ll feel a lot less stressed.
• Stick to a Budget: According to research from the American Psychological Association, money is the top source of stress for most Americans. Just because you have to buy gifts during the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to spend beyond your means to do so. Set up a realistic gift-giving budget and try to stick to it.
• Let Yourself Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. The key is how you cope with them. Some people are more sensitive to their mistakes, which can lead to elevated stress levels and anxiety, according to researcher Greg Hajack Proudfit from Stony Brook University. Try not to beat yourself up too hard over mistakes. As long as you are trying your best, that’s all that matters.
• Set Limits by Saying ‘No’: You only have so much energy and time. Don’t take on more than you can handle. When people come to you with requests to help them, consider saying “no.” It’s good practice for what you should be doing throughout the year when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Body

The holiday season is full of tempting delicacies and unusual demands on your time — both can lead you away from your usual fitness routine. Staying on track can make you feel great and enjoy your time with friends and family.

• Eat Healthily: It may seem counterintuitive, but make sure you eat enough — enough of the right kind of foods. Harvard Medical School recommends eating small meals and snacks every few hours to keep your energy up and fatigue at bay. Make sure you have plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet and don’t go to a holiday party with an empty stomach, which can lead to overindulgence in foods that may be sweet or overly rich.
• Exercise: It may seem counterproductive because you’re using up energy you could have used to get things crossed off your to-do list, but it’s important. Don’t let a hectic schedule and visiting relatives prevent you from working out. Studies have shown exercise reduces stress, so you can feel better and do more.
• Get Outside: Don’t let shorter days and lower temperatures keep you from getting outside. Not only does it make exercise easier, but studies have found that just being outside is a great stress-reliever.
• Mind Your Aches and Pains: Aches and pains abound during times of stress: Tight muscles not only are painful themselves, but muscular tension can put pressure on joints and nerves. These aches and pains then can lead to more stress. Chiropractic care can relieve aches and pains in many areas of your body, leaving you in better shape to tackle the demands of the season.

Spirit

The holidays can be a time of good cheer and giving, but also can be a time when old hurts are dredged up. Don’t forget this aspect of self-care.

• Forgive or Let It Go: Family gatherings can be stressful for one reason or another. Every family has holiday stress, sometimes surrounding family members harboring resentment or old lingering issues. Learn to let things go — especially during the holidays. Forgiveness calms stress levels and can improve your health, according to Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins Medicine.
• Listen to Music: Studies show listening to music can reduce stress and anxiety. Listen to music while you rush around. The most effective is classical music, but you can choose whatever you are in the mood for at the time. If you want a boost in music’s stress-relieving benefits, sing along to help release tension.
• Take Breaks: You don’t have to go a mile a minute every single day. Every two hours or so, go ahead and take a break. Do something you enjoy doing. You’ll feel much less stressed and enjoy the holiday season more.
• Personal Reflection Time: Centering yourself through personal reflection time can help keep you from stressing out.  Some people call it “me time,” “reflection time,” or even “meditation.” Take a few minutes each day to stop and be mindful of your surroundings. This will help your mind, body, and spirit calm down, so you don’t feel as anxious and stressed.

Don’t let stress put a damper on your holiday season. Taking care of your mind, body, and spirit during this busy time of year can help you reduce stress so you can bring your best self to gatherings with family and friends.