Tips for Stress Proofing Your Holiday Season

The holidays are here, I know they are because I have begun my month long holiday baking. I am fortunate, my cousin starts Thanksgiving weekend. Being from the South, it is all about the food... and we sure do take that to heart.

In an attempt to find time to bake, shop, attend parties, write out Christmas cards, wrap gifts, and visit family along with every day responsibilities, stress can creep up on a person quick.

There are ways to stress- proof your holiday though.

Tips to stress proof your holiday season- Sing a song, sing out loud

Karen Carpenter had it right when she sang in her melodious voice about singing a song. During this time, crank up the carols. I listen to the one station here that plays them twenty four seven. Studies have shown that not only does singing along with carols place you in a better mood, but the beat of the music can actually regulate your heart rate and breathing. Stress will be reduced the healthier you are and the healthier you feel.

Tips to stress proof your holiday season- Ask and ye shall receive

Ask your children their opinions on decisions and traditions. This can not only decrease complaints, but it can increase family bonding through togetherness and improve a child's self esteem. The more the children are involved, the more realist their requests and wants will be as they will understand more. My friend's four year old son has asked only for a certain Thomas the Train engine friend... Duncan. I have not been able to find it and asked him for a back up friend... his reply... 'Why not try EBay?' My friend and I are still chuckling over than comment, but he is involved and he is participating in a realistic fashion... after all EBay has everything. The kids and I decorated the tree, after a lengthy discussion we opted for a real tree and they helped me to pick it out and put it up, as well as decorate it... two teenagers- zero arguing... why better gift could a mom want?