By Leah Brignall

With the holidays getting closer, you may already be feeling more stressed. Many people put a lot of pressure on themselves to make everything as perfect and as magical as it seems in the movies. This year try to remember that life is not always like a movie! Things will not always go as planned, and that is ok! Though sometimes it may seem like it, the holidays are not all about the decorations, the food, or the parties. They are about remembering to be thankful for all that we have, and spending time with our friends and family. No matter how much you try to relax though, there will probably be some stress involved in your holiday season. Here are a few articles to help you prepare, and hopefully lower that stress level.

There are some great tips in this article by Margarita Tartakovsky. She lists out six ways that you can use mindfulness to help alleviate some stress. First she notes that you need to accept the fact that you will probably experience some stress. You have to know that it is ok to feel stress or anxiety, and that it is not who you are. It does not control you. You have the ability to cope with stress and anxiety if you chose to do so. Tartakovsky suggests that during the holidays you should be self-aware and practice self-care. It is easy during the holidays to feel as though you need to do everything for everyone, but don’t forget to do things for yourself! Make sure you are eating a healthy diet, sleeping well, and spending time relaxing. Take a few minutes out of your day to sit with yourself and do something just for you! Take a bath, read a book, or meditate, even if it is only for a short time. Taking care of your emotions and your body will help you enjoy this holiday season. As always, if you begin to feel overwhelmed it is a good idea to seek professional help. A visit psychologist or counselor might be just the thing you need to help you tackle your stress!