Recipe for Stress Management During the Holiday's and Everyday

Stress is an everyday word and a big part of our lives, but maybe no time is it more so than during the holidays. There are; extra events and activities to attend, family and friends visiting, extra household duties, and of course extra things to buy and not extra money to spend. All of these things add up to one thing - extra stress added to your everyday life. Before the holiday whirlwind begins is the best time to remember what relieves stress in your life as well as how to manage stress when you encounter it and are too busy to handle it. You may even find a few new tips or tricks for relieving stress.

Here are some reasons why stress occurs, what you can do to prevent it and how it affects you and your life, as described and observed by a licensed social worker and family counselor.

The recipe for stress is equal parts time limits, money and relationships, thrown in a dash of worry and guilt, and sprinkle liberally with self doubt before allowing to "stew." For special events top it off with holidays, family visits, unreasonable expectations and you have one great big meltdown, especially during the holidays.