Dealing with stress during the holidays

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - It's an inevitable part of the holiday season, family conflict. But how can you navigate your way through it and into a pleasant new year?

Rebecca Downing is a counselor and she gave us some tips to help us get through this holiday season.

Holiday Reminders:

• Take Turns with relatives
• Host the celebration if travel is to stressful
• Be prepared for conflict
• Sometimes you have to say NO
• Choose to be with friends instead of family
• Volunteer at a local food pantry or senior center
• Maintain good self care, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and don't abandon your daily routines.

Ways to Improve Communication :

• Stay focused
• Listen Carefully
• Try to see their "Point of View"
• Own what's yours
• Use "I" statements
• Respond to Criticism with Empathy
• Look for compromise
• Take a "time-out"
• Ask for help if you need it.