Ways to avoid holiday stress

While the holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year for many of us, they can be a cause of stress and depression for others.

Out of work? Going through a divorce? Worried about a health issue? Or do you just not enjoy the shopping-partying-family togetherness aspects of the whole thing?

The Mayo Clinic has some good advice on how to handle holiday stress. Here are the bullet points.

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

2. Seek support.

3. Be realistic.

4. Set differences aside.

5. Stick to a budget.

6. Plan ahead.

7. Learn to say no.

8. Don’t abandon healthy habits.

9. Take a breather.

10. Rethink resolutions.

11. Forget about perfection.

12. Seek professional help if you need it.

To read all about these responses to holiday stressors, visit the Mayo Clinic.