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The holiday season has arrived. For many, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Yet, it can also be a very stressful and hectic time. Dr. Deborah Elliott-DeSorbo, psychology professor at University of the Rockies, a graduate school specializing in the social and behavioral sciences, offers these tips for keeping ourselves joyous through the season. 

Take Care of Yourself. With all of the shopping and social engagements that accompany the holiday season, we oftentimes neglect ourselves. It's important to make sure that we take care of our bodies, which includes getting good sleep, good exercise and good nutrition. While a certain amount of indulgence is indicative of the season, a healthy body begets a healthy mind. 

Get Your Exercise. If you tend to work out in the evening and know there's a special engagement that night, perhaps you can work out in the morning, or bring your hand weights with you to work and take a nice long walk at lunch. You can also take these weights with you when you're doing your holiday shopping to boost the exercise you get from all of that great walking.

Eat Unhealthy in Moderation. From social to family gatherings, there are parties with bounties of food. You don't have to say "no," but make sure you're eating particularly unhealthy foods in moderation. If you're going to a party where everyone brings a dish, there are many cookbooks as well as online sites that offer healthy holiday recipes. You may want to consider making a healthy recipe that you'll enjoy and bring that to the party. You'll have at least one delicious, healthy option, and your fellow party-goers will probably appreciate it too. 

Spirits of the Season. In addition to great food, alcoholic beverages are often served at parties. To help cut down on your alcoholic consumption, add a non-alcoholic beverage to your drink. For example, adding a soft drink or Ginger Ale to a glass of wine will allow you to enjoy the flavor, but not get the full effect of the alcohol. If you're worried about calories, add diet soda. This allows you to partake of adult beverages while decreasing your alcohol intake. 

Shop Responsibly. Who among us hasn't put ourselves under tremendous stress to get the perfect gift for a loved one, only to find ourselves under financial stress afterwards? Giving is a big part of the holiday season, but do yourself a favor and keep to a budget that you're able to afford, thus keeping stress to a minimum. 

Give of Yourself. How about giving of your time? There are volunteer organizations all over the country that benefit just about every worthy cause we can imagine. You could even have your partner, family or group of friends join you and volunteer as a team. Giving together and working as a team just might be the solution to soothing stressed relationships that accompany the holiday season. In the process of helping others, you may find that you are the one receiving the greatest reward. Good feelings come with lending a hand.  

Seek Professional Help If You Need It. For some, the holidays might be more than just a bit stressful. If you find yourself stuck in a serious depression or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, seek professional help. There are numerous professionals, dedicated to helping you and available 24/7, through suicide hotlines, local emergency rooms, and the like.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in master's and doctorate degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org), classes are offered online and at the University's Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.  

Dr. Deborah Elliott-DeSorbo

Dr. Elliott DeSorbo specializes in clinical counseling with a focus on health, health psychology and trauma. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University and is past president of the Psychology Society of the Pikes Peak Region.