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Between needing to be B. Smith in the kitchen, a peace negotiator between family members, and Santa Claus on a budget to big and little kids alike, many of us are more likely to feel stress than cheer during the holidays. So how do we stay balanced and centered as we greet the holiday season?

A Holiday De-Stressing Checklist

I find that I'm more likely to manage stress well this time of year if I'm handling it effectively the rest of the year. And the best way I know of to handle stress is to take care of yourself. The following tips are based on self-care strategies that have sustained me through the holidays and beyond:

• Tend to your spirituality. Even if it's only five minutes, spend some time praying, meditating, or reading or listening to inspirational material each day. I find this particularly important during the commercialized holiday season.
• Eat healthily. Ideally, this means lots of fruits and veggies, fish and lean meats, whole grains, very little fast or junk food, and no skipped meals. But don't beat yourself up over the occasional indulgence, especially during the holidays. Enjoy a bite or two and then get back on track.
• Exercise regularly. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Try breaking it down into 10-minute increments--say, a little yoga in the morning, a brisk walk around the building at lunch, and lifting a few weights at night.
• Limit the workweek. Unless it will jeopardize your job, try to avoid working more than 40 hours a week. Overworking can be a sign that we need to make different choices, whether at work or at home.
• Get a good night's sleep. While individual sleep needs vary, the general recommendation is eight hours. Too many Americans, however, don't get enough slumber.
• Floss every day. We all know to brush our teeth, but how many of us floss regularly? (I admit that I hate it.) The truth is, flossing is vital to preventing gum disease.
• Express your emotions freely. Of course you can't "go off" whenever you feel like it, but do honor yourself by expressing how you feel in a dignified manner. (This includes learning to say no.) Stuffing our feelings can lead to compulsive behavior such as overeating.
• Engage in healthy relationships. As you grow, your relationships need to grow too. During the holidays, think about with whom, and how, you're spending your time.
• Stay connected. Even when you're very busy, there's nothing like activities with friends and family to keep you feeling grounded.
• Tend to your finances. It's particularly tempting around the holidays to overspend. Give yourself the gift of sticking to a budget.
• Nurture your creativity. Whether you're writing a poem, painting a picture, or singing Christmas carols, try to attend to your creative nature.
• Work toward a personal goal. It's important to prepare for our futures, even as we take care of others.
• Tithe and give to charity. Being generous even during times that require tremendous faith reminds us who, and Whose, we are.
• Soothe yourself. Play music that relaxes you or that you love. Burn candles or incense so that your house smells fragrant.
• Dress attractively. Decorate yourself in a way that expresses who you are. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and have fun!

"Emergency" Pampering Ideas!

Sometimes I find that even my self-care strategies are not enough. That's when I dig into my pampering tool kit, a list of go-to products and other resources that calm and center me when I'm feeling particularly anxious or sad:

• Aromatherapy oils: I like lavender (calming), geranium (uplifting), orange (brightening), and sandalwood (inspiring).
• Herbal teas: I recommend relaxation and tension-taming teas, particularly chamomile.
• Fragrant bath oils and salts: My favorites are Carol's Daughter bath products in the Ocean Collection.
• Homeopathic remedies: I like those that aid sleep and reduce stress. When I'm very stressed out at bedtime, I also use nutritional supports like Natural Calm, a magnesium supplement that assists with sleep.
• Flower power: Rescue Remedy, a line of natural flower-based sprays, drops, and creams by Original Bach Flower Essences, has helped me manage even overwhelming emotions.
• Counseling or therapy: You may not need this resource on a regular basis, but it's a good idea to include a counselor or therapist in your personal tool kit, particularly during stressful times.

Pictured: Health writer Hilary Beard, who says self-care is the best way to handle stress.