Every year between Halloween and Christmas we vow to make the holiday season full of merriment and joy. This is the year all of our shopping will be completed early. We won’t overindulge. We won’t overdo it. Then, without warning, all of our best intentions get swept away with the chocolate mocha lattes, gingerbread houses and endless to-do lists.

While it’s easy to get swept up in the holiday season, there are ways to stay sane and enjoy this time of year without stressing out. So sit back, relax and read on for our top five tips for staying sane this holiday season:

1. Do your shopping online.
   Shopping online means you can avoid traffic, crowds, lines and all the stressors that come with those things. You may even save money by shopping online. Check out Cyber Monday deals on the Monday after Thanksgiving rather than running with the Black Friday herds.

2. Cut back on the decor.
   Holiday decor can be a great way to enjoy the season, but don’t overwhelm yourself with it. Holidays are about more than lights, trees, candles, stockings, cards, bows, swags, ribbons and all the other things we all think we can manage to adorn our homes with. If that stresses you out rather than giving you pleasure, then give yourself permission to scale back and keep it simple this year.

3. Take time for yourself.
   Give yourself at least 15 minutes of “me time” per day – even if family is staying at your house or if you’re staying with family. Retreat to your bedroom or a quiet space, close the door, take a bath, read a book, take a run – find some way to recharge. While this is the time of year that it’s easiest to make excuses not to run or exercise or stretch, this is truly the time you need it the most.

4. Call in the caterer.
   If cooking a perfect holiday meal stresses you out – call in the pros. Services like Whole Foods, Harry & David and local caterers can provide main dishes, sides and desserts – sometimes at a price comparable to what you’d pay for items at the market – without all the work!

5. Keep up with your therapy.
   Even if you don’t have time to go into your therapist’s office, you can get counseling online. LCC offers online counseling in conjunction with face-to-face counseling or on its own. Online counseling offers more appointment times and only requires that you be somewhere with internet where you can focus during your session.

Having a season of peace and comfort starts with you. Take time for yourself-inside and out. Then you will find you will have much more of yourself to give to others.