So how can you keep stress at bay? The following steps can help you manage holiday stress.

• Recognize the facts. If you know that you are prone to depression and anxiety, recognize that the stresses of the season, if left unchecked, could cause these feelings to escalate. Be sure to take appropriate measures to ease stress, such as setting aside “me” time for enjoying a relaxing bath, a soothing cup of tea or reading a book. It’s also important to maintain a regular exercise regimen, and moderate eating and drinking during the holidays. You will feel much better for it once the holidays are over.
   
• Stay organized. Procrastination-whether related to shopping or party planning-makes tasks seem even tougher. Try to make a plan to accomplish what you need to do during the holidays and stick to it. For example, plan to buy a certain number of gifts per week, and have your family pitch in with party planning.
   
• Get the timing right. Battling crowds in stores and on the roads can lead to frustration, anger and stress. Instead, take advantage of early hours at malls and other stores to get shopping done before work, and benefit from no crowds and no lines. If you are traveling, try to leave as early as possible to avoid holiday traffic jams and make sure you carry food, water, CDs and an emergency kit just in case you do get stuck in traffic.
   
• Just say no. During the holidays, it is easy to feel pressure to overcommit to volunteering, entertaining and other activities. Know your limits and this year make a commitment not to overextend yourself. Instead, choose as many events as you want to participate in and stick to this number.
   
• Nobody’s perfect. Remember that the holidays are not about everything being perfect. Keep your expectations in line and try not to compare yourself to others. Also, think about past holidays. Weren’t the most memorable moments the ones that were not perfectly scripted or posed? So relax and stay focused on the real meaning of the season-cherished moments with family and friends.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, and employees of the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.