November is officially upon us and chances are your local department store is already starting to look like a winter wonderland. Despite being dubbed "the most wonderful time of the year," the holiday season isn't always holly and jolly.

Holiday stress is real. Maybe you're a student having to temporarily adjust to life back home. Maybe you've got a short fuse when having to spend extended time with certain family members. Regardless of your individual situation, it's important to take steps to take care of our mental and physical health during the busy holiday season.

Pace yourself

The holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to pace yourself headed into the season and set up boundaries. It might be a good idea to map out travel plans, holiday parties, and other events happening over the holiday season and check them against work and school commitments. You might find that maybe it's not the best idea to go that holiday party the week you've got three papers due and final exams or an end of the year project due at work. You might even find that you have more open time on your schedule than you were expecting!

Think outside the box

I'm sure we can all think of particular holiday scenarios that have us totally stressing out. Maybe there's a creative alternative to the situation that's causing you anxiety. If finances are a headache, maybe there are some creative homemade gifts you can make. If travel plans are stressing you out, it might be a good idea to give yourself a couple buffer days between trips or holding off a particularly stressful trip until some of the madness has settled down in January. Removing unrealistic expectations and extra stress can seriously help boost your mood and energy during the holidays.

Follow a health routine

The holiday season can really hit you health if you're not prepared for it. Seasonal colds run rampant and that frosty weather isn't the most desirable for working out. I'm not a morning person, but I've found it very helpful to get up earlier during the winter months to take full advantage of the short daylight hours. I also highly recommend daylight lamps for your bedroom and work environment. Getting adequate sunlight can go a long way for mental health. It's also important to find alternative ways to exercise and healthy eating habits to combat all the holiday goodies.

Communicate

We all have experienced holiday stress in some form or fashion. It's important to communicate your feelings to your friends and family members. Maybe you need some downtime after holiday dinner, but don't want to seem anti-social. Be upfront with your needs to avoid situations escalating to a breaking point. Know your limits and don't be afraid to say "no." This is especially important to start planning early.

Last but not least...

Don't be ashamed to treat yourself! You deserve it!