Most people experience their worst stress of the year during the “happiest season of them all.”

Reducing your stress can lead to a happier, brighter and healthier holiday season.

Consider these heart-healthy stress-reducing tips:

• Take time out to organize and prioritize. Taking time to catch your breath and reassess will help.
• Don’t do it all yourself – delegate! Make expectations clear to your loved ones and lower your standards just a bit to get it all done.
• Set a budget and stick to it – you can’t get your child everything he or she desires. Even Santa Claus has limited funds.
• Be realistic about your relatives. Don’t try to solve family issues around the holidays.
• When the kids come home from college, set ground rules. They forget it’s your house and that you have rules. Remind them.
• Continue your exercise regimen during this busy season. It’s a great way to steal a few moments for yourself.
• Turn off the TV, put the winter gear on and get your family or friends out to play in the snow; or, get in the car to go look at holiday lights.

Who doesn’t want a perfect holiday? It’s human nature, but rethink your expectations and do your best to enjoy.