Simple tips reduce holiday stress

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Behavior experts say a few well-known but effective reminders can help keep the holiday season full of good cheer.

For instance, at the office party, drink in moderation and keep the gossip to a minimum. The same goes for family gatherings where no one should badmouth relatives who are not present, nor embarrass those who are.

Don't boast of financial worth or bemoan financial woes. Don't endlessly extol the talents of one's children or carp on their shortcomings. Most important, don't shift the burden of insecurities onto others in the form of hostility.

Houseguests should bring an appropriate gift -- neither insignificant nor too valuable, experts say. Offer to help with chores, such as doing the dishes or shopping for groceries, and be as autonomous as possible.

Hosts should not feel bad about feeling ambivalent about guests because such feelings are normal. Better to invite wisely, because too many houseguests can increase fatigue and stress, preventing any host from offering the best hospitality.

Perhaps the best strategy, according to the experts, is to develop routines that help manage stress year-round, such as taking time to pamper oneself, exercise and simply eat and sleep right.

"Whenever I hear people don't have time to take care of themselves, that's when I know they need to take care of themselves the very, very most," said Laurie Mintz, an associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of Missouri in Columbia.