LEWISBURG, W. VA (WVVA)-- The holidays can be taxing, on your wallet but also on your nerves.
Whether you're preparing to host guests, cooking a large meal, or traveling a distance for your Thanksgiving, things can get stressful fast.
WVVA spoke with Terry Lusher from Encouraging Words Counseling Center in Lewisburg, about ways to alleviate that holiday anxiety.
"You've got to keep it simple," said Lusher. "Slow down... what big catastrophe is going to happen if you don't do everything?"
He recommended just taking it easy, and if things go wrong, have a laugh.
"Just find ways to enjoy yourself," he said.
But what if you want to impress with your big dinner Thanksgiving day? Lusher said one way to take the pressure off is preparing for a big meal ahead of time.
"Or, if you have family coming in, encourage them to bring something," he said. "Have them bring dessert, or a side dish. You don't have to make everything yourself."
As a guest this holiday season, you can also help the host.
"It can be hard having guests for a few days, especially if it's a lot of young ones," said Lusher. "Stay in a motel if you can afford it. Don't go in and inundate the family, especially if they're [older people.]"
Other tips for stress relief that Lusher recommends: remember to take your vitamins, go outdoors for exercise and to get some sun, go easy on the holiday carbs and sugars if you can, and most importantly, remember the purpose of the holidays.
"Just enjoy yourself," he said. "Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. Remember that."
