Have you been stressed by holidays? You need these 5 calming tools.

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In Yoga diaryIn the Archives series, we share a curated collection of articles originally published in back issues dating back to 1975. These stories offer a glimpse into how yoga has been interpreted, written about, and practiced over the years. This article first appeared in Yoga diary in November 2010. Find more from our archives here.

As defined by brands and advertisers, the holidays mean fun, decorating, gift shopping, cooking, traveling and forced socializing. For many of us, that feels like barely controlled chaos.

Yes, it can be wonderful to participate in the spirit of giving and gratitude and all that comes with it. But it’s all too easy, in the midst of endless tasks and obligations, to lose yourself and forget the things that keep you grounded. And even though you swore that last year this year would be less hectic, nothing will change unless you have a strategy in place.

That’s where yoga can help.

5 Calming Tools to Relieve Holiday Stress

You can approach the holidays the same way you start yoga: pause, slow your breathing, and let the outside world retreat. Just one minute. Then integrate one of these yoga-inspired tools to make holiday stress more manageable while you’re at home with family, out and about with friends, or thinking about how to respond to a last-minute holiday party invitation. (And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to answer “no.”)

1. Set an intention

Before class, a yoga teacher may ask you to choose a word or phrase to anchor your practice in a specific type of energy. You can do the same anytime you want during the holidays.

Maybe one day your intention will be, “Be fully present.” On another day, you might dedicate everything you do—from cooking to interacting with family—to someone you know who needs a positive vibe.

You can even choose a word like “gentleness” or “ease” or “patience” as the theme for the entire end of the year. Remember it every time you hear holiday music blaring or see another holiday sale in your email inbox to keep yourself centered. (Take that, holiday consumption!)

2. Make time for your exercise

Yes, you may find yourself more distracted than usual during the holidays, whether you’re attending a party, running errands, or dealing with intrusive thoughts telling you what extra things you “should” be doing. In other words, there are a thousand excuses to skip your yoga practice. But even if you only have a spare moment, try to fill it with a ritual that will make you feel better about yourself You. Try taking a few minutes to stretch or do a quick meditation, or anything else that helps you tap into a sense of calm (and perhaps your sense of humor) amid the chaotic energy around and within you.

3. Appeal to the community

The holidays can be a joyful time to connect with family and friends; but it is also a period when feelings of loneliness and isolation are at an all-time high. Wherever you are on the emotional spectrum, don’t forget one of the pillars of yoga: community (Sangha).

If you’re a regular at your local studio, make a point to stop by, have a laugh and offer support. Or just show up, in whatever way you can, in person or online, and be reminded that all you have to do is navigate the moment in front of you.

4. Be thoughtful

Try to reframe moments of holiday stress into opportunities to apply your yoga practice in real time. Before you respond to something (your busy schedule, your barking dog, or your burnt turkey) pause for a moment so you can respond mindfully instead. This puts some space between you and the source of stress, and allows your intuition to guide you to your next right move. (Yes, this can even work in the company of your extremely opinionated aunt.)

5. Take care of yourself

Of course, you want to make the people you love feel appreciated during the holidays, but it’s also more important than ever to make sure you get enough rest and take some time for yourself. That doesn’t have to look perfect (and probably won’t). But even spending 20 seconds in Legs Up the Wall or texting a friend a funny Instagram video can go a long way in helping you disconnect from all the stimulation around you and simply are.

This article has been updated. Originally published on November 23, 2010.