With the joy of spending time with our friends and family, unwrapping gifts, holiday seasons also bring a lot of stress for all of us. Holiday stress is our body's and mind's reaction to the intense responsibilities and demands in our lives. Although holidays should be happy and joyful, these special occasions can often turn rather stressful. We will need to provide a lot of compassion to both ourselves and others throughout this season for everyone to enjoy our holiday. Here are some easy ways to de-stress this holiday season.

Let go of what you can't control

In your life, you have just two things under your control. One is your thoughts and the other is your actions. That's all. What your parents say at the dinner table is out of your control. You can't expect your judgemental aunties not to pass a snarky comment on your recent weight gain. You have no control over how your children act. However, by refusing to take on other people's problems, you will instantly lessen the amount of stress in your life when you decide to let go of what you cannot control.

Avoid conflict

Even the most loving families have their rough moments. Therefore, this year, take some time to consider any potential family issues before you even pack your bags. Don't be shocked when your dad starts one of his rants about a certain group of people if he has a tendency to do so. Although you can't change this, you can choose how to react.

Learn to say NO

Let's face it, it's impossible to be everywhere at once. Be really honest with yourself regarding your capacity, and speak up if the amount is too much. Pick one or two dawats to attend rather than five. Set aside time for your family first, and only commit to activities that you enjoy. Quality is everything, not quantity. Keep in mind, you have a choice to set your boundaries when needed.

Make a budget

Truth be told, money can cause major stress in your life. It's understandable that you want to give the best gifts to your loved ones. But staying broke for the next two weeks after buying a few gifts isn't really a wise idea. Setting a budget for the holidays will help to avoid impulsive purchases and excessive expenditures. So set a budget and follow it.

Maintain a healthy routine

One of the best defence mechanisms against stress throughout the holidays will be maintaining a healthy routine. This includes getting enough rest, eating healthy, even at holiday parties and maintaining an active lifestyle. It also means following as many of your daily routine as you can, such as exercise, yoga, or some me time for self-care. Instead of allowing the festive season to increase your stress levels, use this time to de-stress.