The holidays bring about lots of good things, family gatherings, social outings, gifts, pretty lights and candles and trees, and lots of stress along with it all. We are over committed, financially strained and worn out. We want everything to be just right but often things don’t meet our expectations, or else getting there exhausts us. And, stress opens us up to allergy susceptibility. If you are already prone to allergies, when your body is weakened from stress, the allergies can become more prevalent. So what can you do to maintain to your stress level and control your allergies?

• Say No sometimes. If you have something to do every weekend night and all you want to do is stay home, do it. Pick and choose what you want to do and say no to the other things. People will understand and if they don’t, well, that’s another story. You won’t believe how much good a night at home will do for your stress level.
• Don’t over set your expectations for yourself. If you are entertaining, it’s okay to buy pre-made appetizers or a store bought dessert. Do take out if you want or don’t worry about polishing your silver. Not all of those things matter. You won’t enjoy yourself if you are stressing too much over the small things, or if it’s all aggravating your allergies.
• Take a holiday time out. Keep your routine a little. Whether it’s time for the gym or time for a coffee break, do it. Instead of wrapping gifts all night, go to bed at normal time and read your book.
• Exercise. Whether you are going to the gym or taking a family walk to look at neighborhood lights, a little exercise does wonders for de-stressing.
• Cut the holiday clutter. You don’t have to do it all. IF you want to skip Holiday cards or Christmas lights or a plate of cookies for the mail carrier, that’s okay, too. You don’t have to do it all.

RELAX! Enjoy the holidays, remember what they are about. You will feel better, physically and emotionally as well. And just wait to see what it does for your allergies welfare!

Happy Holidays!!

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