As the holidays approach stress and depression rates rise. It is easy to get caught in the whirlwind of activities, saying yes to so many demands; shopping, hosting, baking, and cleaning. With a little bit of planning one can ease the symptoms and cope.

The Mayo Clinic offers some great tips and ideas for coping with the holidays.

Some other tips include:

1. Pace yourself. Do not say “yes” to anything you can not handle.

2. If you are spending the holidays alone, spend your time volunteering to those who are also alone and perhaps less fortunate.

3. Relax. Take a few minutes out of every day to breathe. Spend an hour taking care of yourself-do something you love!

4. Don’t think about the past. Live for the future. Make the best of today.

5. Keep track of holiday spending so there are no surprises.

6. Exercise! It reduces the feelings of depression.

7. Try something different. Start a new tradition.

8. Surround yourself with cheerful people and stay away from the Scrooges.

9. Enjoy a hot cup of tea while addressing Party Invites, Thank You notes or Christmas cards. It provides a calming atmosphere and provides the body with antioxidants.

10. Think about one positive thing every day or think about something you are thankful for. If you use Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or any other social networking site, post your thanks in your status message for others to see and comment.
 

Please feel free to share your Holiday survival and coping  tips in the comments.