During this hectic season, it is very important to set aside time to relax or find new and productive ways to keep your holiday spirits up. Here are a few helpful ideas that can help you cope with holiday stress:

• Plan quiet time or at least some brief downtime from activities.

• Take a few moments to read a book, take a bubble bath, or sit down and listen to your favorite songs.

• Play a board game with your family.

• Go for a walk with your family to see holiday displays in your neighborhood.

• Join your kids for fun family exercise. If you choose something outdoors, the fresh air and exercise can lift your spirits.

• Settle down for storytime with your family. Pull out holiday stories that you loved as a child and read them aloud together.

• Carve out a few hours to volunteer at a charity. It might seem impossible, but giving your time and energy may help you find the spirit of the season. Stuck for ideas? You and your family might help wrap gifts for needy children, deliver meals to families in need, or visit residents in a local nursing home.

Just Do Your Best!

As you enjoy the holiday season, do your best to limit stress. Don’t expect everything to go as planned. Your child may get sick on the holiday, the oven might break as you are cooking a special dinner, or a storm may prevent relatives from visiting. When these things happen, let the family help decide on a new plan. For example, if the electricity goes out, grab your flashlights and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Use cookie cutters to cut them into fun shapes!

Don’t let unexpected events ruin the holidays for you. Be adaptable and flexible. You can help yourself and your children relax and enjoy the holidays for what they truly are: a time of joy, celebration, and peace with friends and family.

Tips courtesy of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For more information, click here.

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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