"Help! The holidays are so stressful!"

It's the most wonderful—and overwhelming—time of year. Here, experts share simple ways to tame tension in the moment and embrace the season

- by KRISTINA MASTROCOLA

Dial down pressure

Let yourself say ‘no’

Simply put, a worried mind is a mind without a plan—and that goes double during the busy holiday season. “It’s important to be intentional about how we want to spend our time and what’s going to be most fulfill- ing,” says clinical psycholo- gist Lauren Cook, PsyD. “Ask yourself what you truly want to say yes to this season—I always say if it’s not a hearty or excited yes, it’s okay to say no. You're going to get so many invites this season; you have to protect your time and energy.”

Lower your expectations