20 Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season Published Dec. 8, 2011 By compiled staff reports 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- 1. Have fun and enjoy yourself, but take time for you Pause each day to take a moment to reflect on the positive things in your life. Try yoga or meditation to help relieve stress. 2. Maintain your current weight Don't try to lose weight over the holidays by enforcing a restrictive diet. Rather maintain your normal diet, and eat small portions of that special holiday food you crave. 3. Engage in physical activity with your family and friends Go outside and play a game of flag football or stay in and play an interactive video game with the children. 4. Get more bang for your buck Make a holiday budget and stick to it. Comparison shopping should give you a better idea of the price range and the best place to buy. 5. Don't bite off more than you can chew Be sure not to overwhelm yourself with shopping, gift wrapping, and traveling during this season. Plan your day ahead of time and minimize the frantic stress by organizing your time and sticking to it! 6. Get enough sleep You need seven to nine hours of sleep a night, but when stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest. 7. Drink plenty of water Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water helps counter the dehydrating effects of travel and stress. It may also satisfy your appetite, since thirst is often mistaken for hunger. 8. Arrange for a designated driver Have a plan before you leave, but if you find you had too much to drink call a cab or a friend for a ride. If hosting a party don't be afraid to take your guests keys away if they have reached their limit. 9. Prevent tree fires When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. 10. Share your extra time and volunteer By volunteering to spend a couple hours at a soup kitchen, ringing a Salvation Army bell or wrapping presents for a local charity, you'll feel the satisfaction of helping others and promoting holiday cheer! 11. Eat a snack before attending holiday parties Before you leave home eat a healthy snack, like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit, to curb your appetite. 12. Talk to someone Tell friends and family you're feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help. 13. Squeeze fitness into holiday chores While doing your holiday shopping, walking through the mall at a fast pace will allow you to cross two items off your list. Do some push-ups in between putting cookies in the oven. 14. Handle food safely Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child's exploring hands. 15. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake Excess amounts of caffeine can cause insomnia, headaches, irritability, and nervousness. Instead have a glass of water or juice. Remember the 0-0-1-3 model: zero underage drinking, zero drinking and driving (DUI), one drink per hour, and no more than three drinks per evening. 16. Stay alert while traveling Take plenty of breaks and if you get tired, pull off the road into a rest area or a business, get out of the car for some fresh air, buy something to refresh you, or just relax until you feel revived. 17. Wash your hands often One of the easiest ways to catch a cold or flu is by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after coming into contact with germs. Carry a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer while on the go! 18. Spiritual fitness Take advantage of programs to improve your spiritual resilience. From spiritual retreats, worship and prayer services, religious education classes or even pastoral counseling, the base chapel has programs to assist military member, their families and other community members. Check with the base chapel at 828-3621 to learn more about offerings. 19. Find a buddy to exercise with you Taking a daily walk or run with a friend is a great way to burn those extra calories. 20. Maintain a positive attitude Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. The holidays are about spending time with people you care about. Avoid being a Grinch!