Dealing with holiday stress can be quite an issue for many at this time of year. Many find November through mid-January to be a major problem for them. All the hard work put in during the other 10 months of the year goes right out the window. People stop exercising, they eat and drink more and generally make less healthy choices. But what can be done about this?

It begins with keeping up with your routines. Continue to exercise or workout in the same time slots you were using. Just because there may be an “event”, don’t forget to get your workout in. You body will thank you to keep up with the routine…or it will hurt again in January when you try to pick back up.

Next, remember to take the necessary time for yourself. Too often people get so wrapped up in events beyond working that they forget time for themselves. Time to yourself is necessary to decompress and relax. Whether that is your time for exercise or time to read, watch tv, meditate, or do something else does not matter. That “me” time is valuable…take it.

Then, don’t forget to sleep. That is time for the body to rest and recharge. If you do not provide your body this opportunity it leads to feeling fatigue and can increase your risk of illness.

Finally, it is ok to indulge a little with food/drink but do it in moderation. Many just shrug off the inevitable weight gain over the holidays but it doesn’t have to be so. It is possible to indulge a little and not end up gaining several pounds. By keeping to your above routines, you will find it easier to limit gains.

So this year, take measured steps to better deal with holiday stress.