The holidays can be wonderful and terrible all at the same time. There is so much fun and good in the season, but we know how stressful situations can really bring out the Grinch at times.

Fortunately, there are many techniques that help restore peace and goodwill to all.

Here are a few strategies to try:

• This 10-minute spa shower technique for stress reduction was published in the The Seventh Healthy & Fit Family Carnival. It was written for a busy mom, but you can apply it to a busy person in general. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, find a way to take 10 minutes just to let go, regroup, and revive. You’ll have more energy and focus to tackle the problem when you come back.

• Drink more water. It is such a good thing to do for many reasons and is essential to keep your body working well, but it’s so easy to forget! Fill up before each holiday party by drinking plenty of water and balance each cocktail with a glass of water (or two). You’ll save yourself extra pounds and headaches.

• Another easy to learn stress reduction technique is deep diaphragmic breathing. In a nutshell, when you’re anxious, your breathing becomes short and shallow which, through a chain reaction, increases your anxiety. Not good! Fortunately, “when we are able to fully expand our lungs when we breathe, we are able to instigate a chain reaction of events within us that lead to calmer and more relaxed states of being. We can control our reaction to stress and in effect keep ourselves healthier.”

• When things get to be too much, grab a friend and go for a walk. Reconnecting with a friend or family member can be very calming. Additionally, the exercise is great for your brain, your body, and your stress. If you need some alone time, try to walk to your errands or grab a dog (yours, the neighbor’s, your friend’s) and just enjoy being outside and moving your body.

• Commit to enjoying the holidays and not letting little things get to you. Per Abraham Lincoln, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Laugh more. If something is starting to annoy you, try to find a way to be amused by it instead.

If you are looking for health tips for that important part of your body, your brain…, you may enjoy our Brain Fitness November Monthly Digest, a collection of articles and links including news, resources, brain teasers, and more.

Also, for a limited time, you can receive a complimentary copy of our Brain Fitness 101 e-Guide: Answers to your Top 25 Questions, written by Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg and Alvaro Fernandez, by subscribing to our monthly newsletter. You can subscribe Here.

Enjoy the holidays,

Caroline