How to Enjoy the Holidays More by Shattering Stress

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be stressful. Your schedule will probably get busier, parking lots will be more crowded and some people will drive more aggressively.

When you’re dealing with holiday stress on top of your everyday life, finding ways to relax becomes even more important. Taking a little time to unwind can help you enjoy this time of year more and help you have a safe and happy holiday season. Last year, people told us they beat holiday stress by retreating from just about everything and taking time for themselves; listening to seasonal music also seemed to cut stress; and spending time with family seemed to lessen holiday anxiety (although, that one could swing either way).

What else can you do reduce your holiday stress?

• Try controlled breathing. Described as meditation for people who can’t meditate, controlled breathing helps reduce your stress, keeps you alert and boosts your immune system. The New York Times outlines three basic breathing exercises to try on your own.

• Take a smart approach to your Thanksgiving feast. Real Simple has a list of recipes that require little to no advance prep and few ingredients. Find out how to quickly roast a turkey, why they recommend smashed potatoes over mashed, and discover a better way to make sweet potatoes.

• Watch Thanksgiving movies and TV shows alone or with your family. Popsugar has a list of 15 Thanksgiving movies available to stream, including many of your standby favorites. Not in the mood for an entire movie? Here’s a list of Thanksgiving TV show episodes to watch so you don’t have to go hunting for them.

• Have a plan to avoid toxic Thanksgiving conversation topics. The LA Times has Thanksgiving conversation tips from advice and etiquette experts like Cheryl Strayed, Jennifer Peepas, and Daniel Post Senning. The bottom line: there are plenty of ways to enjoy being with family this holiday season.

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Article and photo courtesy of Plymouth Rock.