Daily Q&A: What can I do to combat holiday stress?

The holidays are supposed to be fun-filled times with family and friends, but I find this time of year very stressful. What can I do to combat holiday stress?

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous part of the year, but end-of-year deadlines, over-booked schedules, unpleasant social obligations and budget issues can break the holiday spirit.

Dr. Margaret Lewin, medical director of Cinergy Health, offered these suggestions to help you try to ease some of the stress (and burn a few of those extra calories) by following a these tips:

• Don't skip your usual exercise — you need those endorphins more now than ever.

• Make a point of taking stairs instead of elevators, and park a bit farther out in the mall to mellow you out a bit while doing errands.

• Get up from your desk every hour or so to stretch and get a glass of water.

• Take at least 20 minutes out of each busy day for simple, unadulterated pleasure: a warm bath, a massage, a pedicure.