Holiday Hell?

By Candy

So you are headed home for the holidays and between the family obligations, travel congestion, resurrected high school dramas and last minute present stress, you may feel like making a beeline for the rent’s alcohol cabinet to cope.

Drowning that anxiety in cocktails may be an appealing instant solution but maybe it would be better to actually deal with all of that stress so you can kick back, enjoy the holidays and head to school refreshed. After all, this is your vacation. Here are some simple tips for a truly happy and healthy Holiday:

1) Learn how to say “no”. Over committing will only leave you feeling exhausted and guilty for not truly spending quality time.

2) Remember that you need “you” time: go for a jog, take a nap, read a book, watch some bad TV. This is your break from school. If you overdo it with holiday social gatherings (and yes, booze) you are increasing the risk of rundown and illness — so balance out the boozin with some good ol quality Zen time.

3) Don’t stress the gifts. Hello, you are a college student (a.k.a. buried in bills), and everyone understands this. The best gifts are simple reminders of how much you care. So get creative, spend some time, say many ‘I love you’s and you will not only save dollars, but feel better about it too.