The season of giving is upon us and the flurry of holiday activities can seem like one more ball to juggle in an already frenzied schedule. If you’re unable to be with family, you may have to work even harder to fight the blues this time of year. Mix in stress and the tendency to overindulge and it’s no wonder that health suffers this time of year—whether that’s as benign as acne outbreaks or as serious as heart attacks.  Consider these commonsense ways to enjoy the holidays—and stay healthy—no matter what the world throws your way this December.

1.  Keep it simple.  Moderation is a cornerstone of both mental and physical health. Don’t overschedule yourself or your family. Do enlist your family’s help in holiday decorating and preparing the big feast or party fare (see “Holiday Cooking” on page 22 for family-friendly recipes). Plan a creative card- or gift-making session with family or friends; stamp recycled paper for gift wrapping, put your favorite herb or spice mixes in pretty bottles, and wrap your baked gifts in dish towels and real ribbon that can be reused. Because the holidays are somewhat predictable, prioritize the activities you really want to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Set a budget for holiday spending, then stick to it! Establish realistic goals for yourself and your loved ones, allowing enough free time, especially for anyone who’s traveling. We all need a breather to reflect on what the holidays mean and to enjoy a little spontaneous activity.

2. Take time to relax.  A recent survey finds that, in addition to holiday pressures, 80 percent of Americans are stressed out over the economy or work and family issues. Of those polled, 60 percent say they’re angry and irritable—not exactly feelings conducive to holiday cheer. Even more cause for concern, 53 percent admit that they’re fatigued and 52 percent aren’t sleeping. That makes it all too easy to overeat, overimbibe, or take stress out on others. “People can’t multitask very well,” says MIT neuroscientist Earl Miller, PhD, “and when people say they can, they’re deluding themselves.” Turn off the cell phone, e-mail, and television. Actively practice stress management techniques: deep breathing, meditation, t’ai chi, visualization, yoga. Treat yourself to a massage or a manicure. Take breaks with relaxing herbal teas, and watch your caffeine intake. Taste for Life editorial advisor Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, recommends drinking a naturally caffeine-free herbal coffee, Teeccino, made from herbs, fruits, grains, and nuts. If you’re having trouble sleeping, make sure you’re getting enough calcium and magnesium (along with vitamin D), especially at bedtime. A number of herbs (California poppy, hops, kava, lemon balm, passionflower, and valerian) help induce sleep, as do many homeopathic sleep formulas. Rescue Remedy is a terrific stocking stuffer, even for four-legged friends who may be agitated and confused by all the holiday activity.

3. Move it.  Schedule regular exercise to boost mood, relieve tension, and promote sleep. Get out and cycle, jog, skate, ski, or snowshoe, as the weather permits. Take a wintry walk together to enjoy holiday decorations, cut seasonal greens, or count the stars in the clear night sky. Go caroling. Offer to shovel an elderly neighbor’s walk or stack firewood—you’ll get needed exercise and enjoy the true holiday spirit.

4. Shop for value.  Useful stocking stuffers and small Hanukkah gifts may be more appreciated than the latest bling or gadget that might end up in next summer’s yard sale. Ask folks on your gift list what they really want, so you don’t waste your money—or their time returning stuff they don’t need. If someone on your list has specific health problems, offer to put together a basket of supportive supplements along with your favorite natural healthcare book. An assortment of digestive supplements (bitters, enzymes, and ginger tea) or cold and flu fighters (echinacea, elderberry, Oscillo, vitamin C, and zinc lozenges) may be especially timely and appreciated. Or wrap up a gift certificate to family or friends’ local health food store. If you prefer to indulge your loved ones, put together a basket of their favorite natural and organic breads, cheeses, chocolate, coffee, honey, jams, mustards, spices, and teas. A bag of carryon-sized natural body washes, moisturizers and exfoliants, shampoos, conditioners, and oral care products makes a great gift for anyone who’s traveling over the holidays. In addition to labels like fair trade–certified and USDA organic, look for the new Natural Products Association (NPA) certification—out since Thanksgiving. “This seal is a great service to shoppers who want truly natural products because they care about what they put on their skin,” says Daniel Fabricant, PhD, vice president of scientific affairs at NPA. And don’t hesitate to wander away from the food and supplement aisles of your favorite natural products store in search of meaningful gifts. This holiday season, you’ll find BPA-free kitchen equipment and water bottles. Avoiding this toxin in plastics is even more important now that it’s been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, and liver abnormalities in adults. Also look for pesticide-free organic bags, linens, socks, T-shirts, and workout clothes, as well as natural pet care products. What dog owner wouldn’t appreciate paw wipes in inclement weather, for example?

5. Don’t forget water. Drink plenty of pure water to stay hydrated. If you’re imbibing alcohol, mix it with water (or drink water before and afterward). Also wash your hands often, especially before preparing or serving food and after blowing your nose, running errands, and using the restroom. Chris Pope Campbell of East Greenwich, RI, lathers up at least a dozen times a day. “I rarely get a cold,” she says, “and there hasn’t been a stomach flu in my family for more than five years.” Choose natural plant-based soaps instead of antibacterial products, which appear to increase the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Children especially need reminders to wash up, so encourage cleanliness with colorful, kid-sized natural hand-washing products.

6. Give green. Our economy and planet depend on it. First and foremost, buy organic, which uses fewer fossil fuels than conventional farming, and sustainable products, which mean the plant supply will be around longer for you, your children, and grandchildren to enjoy. Whenever possible, buy local gifts and foods for your holiday celebration; you’ll support your neighbors and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ask the staff at the store that gives you Taste for Life to recommend items with environmentally friendly packaging and processing, as natural products manufacturers are increasingly going green.

7. Be generous to yourself and others. After all, that’s what this season is about. Decide what you would most like to do over the holidays—and ask someone you care about to join you. Celebrate in a new way. The year my family and I moved to coastal Maine, we made a trip to the beach a part of our holiday ritual. Whether that meant a romp with our son and dog on snowy sand or snowshoeing to the sound of crashing surf, it remains a treasured memory. The person who has everything might be delighted with a donation in his name to the Environmental Defense Fund, www.edf.org, or Heifer International, www.heifer.org. Or contribute to Vitamins Angels, www.vitaminangels.org, which donates nutritional supplements to folks in need. These gifts will keep giving long after the holidays are over.