Stick to a plan to avoid holiday stress Published Dec. 16, 2009 By Maj. David Cordry 81st Medical Operations Squadron KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- The holiday season brings a combination of happiness and stress. Although most of us look forward to spending time with family and friends, the holidays can also be a source of stress. Between multiple demands for things like shopping, entertaining and traveling, stress and depression can creep into holiday festivities like uninvited guests. To prepare for a peaceful and relaxing holiday season, it's important to recognize some triggers of holiday stress. Relationships can be a source of great comfort and support through the holiday season; however, tensions are often heightened. Family misunderstandings and conflicts often resurface during the holidays, especially when several people are crammed into a house when everyone is used to having hir or her own space. Avoid engaging in the traditional "airing of grievances" and spend time focusing on the positive things you enjoy about your family. Keep in mind that for many Airmen you're not the same person you were before joining the Air Force; this may present challenges to family and friends who have different expectations of you. If you're not going to be able to spend the holidays with your family or spend time with friends wherever you're going to be, don't isolate yourself. Consider volunteering your time instead of staying home alone. Homeless shelters and nursing homes welcome volunteers anytime. You may also decide to attend a religious or spiritual service offered on base or in the community. Supervisors, make sure your troops have plans for the holidays or help them find something to do. Specifically ask if they'll be alone and, if so, help them find alternate plans. Between travel, food, entertainment and fighting through crowds to ensure you are able to buy Junior the limited edition action figure with the kung-fu grip, stretched finances can put a strain on your budget. Overspending to try to ensure everyone is happy for the holidays frequently leads to financial worries as credit card bills come due. Before you start buying gifts for the holidays, decide how much you can afford and stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. The demands of the holiday season frequently require juggling priorities, leading to things like chores and errands taking priority over healthy coping behaviors such as getting adequate rest and exercise. Don't let the holidays become an excuse to overdo it when it comes to eating and consuming alcohol. Here are additional tips to manage your stress during the holidays: Set realistic expectations for the holidays. Don't try to make the holidays perfect or just like last year. Traditions often change as families change. Be flexible and enjoy things as they are rather than obsessing about how things are supposed to be. Set aside old differences with family members and friends. Don't try to resolve decades-old disagreements with family; just enjoy the time together. Stick to a budget. Learn to say "no."You can't participate in every event or activity. Be comfortable knowing your limits and setting them with family and friends. Don't abandon healthy habits. When you drop things like your exercise routine and getting adequate rest, you become more run down and vulnerable to the effects of stress. Don't overdo it with alcohol and become "that guy" who your family and friends will remember as the person who got drunk and ruined the holidays. Take some time for yourself. Spending 15 minutes just relaxing can help recharge your batteries and tackle the tasks you still have to handle. Take time out for spirituality. Celebrate the religious significance of the holidays. This might be a good time to renew your spiritual beliefs and spend more time contemplating spirituality. Seek help. If you begin to feel "stretched thin" emotionally or physically, don't wait until you reach the point of helplessness or hopelessness. Seek help from a supervisor, friend, loved one or chaplain, or speak with someone at the mental health clinic.