Simple ways to ease holiday stress

Preparation for the holidays can seem endless between the gift buying, parties, cookie exchanges, Christmas concerts, and extended family visits. Add to that the pressure to have fun and make lots of memories, and the season can be downright overwhelming.

For many people, the stress is piled on top of other heartache—the loss of a loved one, unhappy holiday memories, strained relationships, or a recent layoff. If you need help managing the anxieties of the season, consider putting a few techniques to work.

Source: Dr. Aru Undurti is a psychiatrist at Vancouver Clinic’s Salmon Creek location.