5 Tips to Relieving Stress and Surviving the Holidays

Although the holidays are swarming with things to do, it's important to take a break or you will be burnt out before the second week of December. Give yourself a much-deserved break on a daily or weekly basis, with these five tips to relieving stress and surviving the holidays.

1.Sugar Plums dancing…

As much as you want to be up and running all day, it can improve your holiday condition not to mention your eyes, to catch a nap. A simple 20-30 minutes nap will have you revived and refreshed in no time, and it really takes 'no time' out of your day to do it. It's difficult to run on empty day in and day out, so don't miss up an opportunity for a little catnap.

2.Reading

Take time to just sit down and relax with a good book. How about finishing that one you started last January? It's no better time to catch up on your reading than scheduling a nightly moment during the holidays. Maybe pick up a magazine on the stand and give it a look to bring you up to date on the world news, or even the latest fashions. You can prepare for holiday gatherings just by giving a current magazine a scan through, for ideas on easy entertaining and recipes. Sometimes it's just enough to read about how fun this season can be to get you back into the mood. And now that you're informed on the current events, you can better make small talk at a party. Don't ever underestimate the power of reading.

3.Peppermint pass time

Peppermint is a festive scent, but it also does wonders for your skin, especially your feet region. Since you'll be on your feet most of the season, grab a peppermint scrub and lotion and give your feet a good scrub down. The invigorating scent of peppermint will revive those tired tootsies and sooth them. Taking the time to focus on your feet just once a week will greatly improve their appearance and relieve stress at the same time.

4.Nog

Even just a 20-minute "wind down" at the end of your day will reduce stress and help you survive the winter months. Try this formula: a cup of hot cocoa + a tablespoon of Egg Nog. This mixture will give your hot chocolate a little nutmeg kick, which will sooth wired nerves and let you unwind with ease. So sip away and don't let the approaching festivities worry you.

5.Delegate

As much as you don't want to believe it, you are not in charge of making everyone happy. Sometimes a job may be too big for you to handle and you need to have the courage to delegate it to a willing participant. For example, you really don't have to wrap all the presents perfectly, so why not get your kids to do it? And if they aren't old enough yet, you can always find a teenager in your neighborhood that wouldn't mind some extra cash. Don't try to serve everything at your seasonal gatherings, rather set things up buffet style and enlist people to provide side dishes or desserts. So before all else fails, delegate and you'll be glad you did.