"Help! The holidays are so stressful!”

A staggering 89% of Americans feel overwhelmed over the holidays. Here, experts share a few simple ways to trade argh for ahh this season

- KRISTINA MASTROCOLA

Lower expectations

Take 20% off your plate

Of the four main stressors we experience during the holidays overwhelm, loneliness, depression and grief-overwhelm is the "biggie" by a wide margin, says therapist Michele DeMarco, Ph.D. "We have to give ourselves permission to ask for help," she says, adding that a great way to give yourself a break is to do 20% less. "If you have 10 tasks, take two off your plate." You're only human after all. "Showing yourself compassion will go a long way toward decreasing your stress and increasing your joy."

Make it your own