Tips to avoid holiday stress

There's so much more to do this time of year. Planning family get-togethers, cooking holiday meals, and lots of shopping.

But all that can cause lots of stress.

Here’s some tips on how to keep holiday stress from getting the best of you.

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season.

After you're done with the turkey, comes Black Friday shopping, more holiday parties, and a to-do list that seems to get longer and longer. 

All of it can stress you out.

Dr. Wayne Burgess with Patient First says, “They try to do too much. Rather than keeping the focus on the time that should be fun with family and friends they overfill their schedules."

And that can make you sick. Dr. Burgess says too much stress can weaken your immune system.

Here's some tips to help you avoid holiday stress. First, stay focused and don't overbook your schedule.

"Have a plan, stick to your calendar. Don't feel like you have to participate in every activity that comes along," says Dr. Burgess.

And when you're out shopping, stick to a budget because when the holidays are over, financial stress can really hit you.

And don't forget to keep up with exercise. If you feel like you don't have time for it during the holidays, try to fit it in while shopping.

"Parking further away, taking the stairs in the mall as opposed to the escalator or the elevator, taking a few extra laps around the mall," says Dr. Burgess.

Stick to your diet. It's okay to enjoy good food during the holidays, but don't overindulge.

"If a person gains 5 pounds every holiday season, in 10 years they've gained 50 pounds and that's a lot of weight," says Dr. Burgess.

And give your body the chance to recharge. "Rest is important for healing. The body really heals and recovers from the day to day stress of breakdown. It's important for the immune system to function properly."