“Wellness is a balanced channeling of energy—energy received from the environment, transformed within you, and returned to affect the world around you,” explains John W. Travis, MD. Recognize that everything you do, feel, and think impacts your personal wellness.

1. Budget Money and Time

Overspending and overextending are huge holiday stressors. Make a budget, and stick to it. Some families draw names and set a dollar-amount limit. Everyone gets a gift, and since the giver has more time to consider what the “giftee” might really enjoy, everyone’s happy. Or create gift certificates for offering child or pet care—or a massage.

Since your time is also finite, you may not be able to accept every invitation or request. Choose those you know you’ll enjoy, and gently decline the rest. Remember, crowding together indoors this time of year means sharing more than joy and fellowship: Colds, flu, and other viruses may join the party.

2. Support Your Immune System for a Healthy Holiday Season

In addition to a plant-based diet and daily multivitamin/mineral formula, stock up on echinacea and elderberry extract, Oscillo, and healing herbal teas. A recent randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial shows that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) helps protect against recurrent upper respiratory infection—despite age-related decline in immune responses.

3. Don’t Be SAD

Shorter days can affect sleep, productivity, and state of mind, leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), says Andrew Weil, MD. Full-spectrum lights that simulate sunlight have been shown to offer positive benefits. If you’re blue, also consider St. John’s wort. This herbal extract “compares well with the prescription antidepressants,” says Hyla Cass, MD, “but without their side effects, such as addiction, withdrawal, or problems when combined with alcohol.”

Essential fatty acids (flax and fish oils) support brain function and mood. “Stress, exhaustion, and anxiety deplete your supply of B vitamins,” she adds. “B vitamins are vital in keeping energy levels on an even keel and replenishing energy when it’s depleted.”

4. Ask for Help

If you’re the chief cook, housecleaner, shopper, decorator, and events planner for your family, learn to delegate. Decide which chores or errands you need to do and which ones family members can handle. Make a simple calendar, specifically detailing who will do what. Have family members sign up for vacuuming, washing dishes, or folding laundry.

5. Make Entertaining Easy

Before hosting family and friends, visit your favorite supermarket’s deli and bakery sections for delicious salads, meats, cheeses, and desserts. Also delegate to your guests; many love to bring something along. When company arrives, take them up on offers to peel potatoes, set the table, or take the kids and family dog out for some fresh air.

6. Create “You” Time

This is not the season to let your healthy habits slide. In addition to your daily multi, continue walks, yoga, and other workouts to keep you energized. Plan for small indulgences, such as cheesecake or eggnog, but adjust your intake of calories accordingly.

Make time for pampering. Relax in a bath with healing essential oils like chamomile or lavender. Cuddle up on the couch with popcorn and juice. Or take a walk on a silent, starlit evening.

7. Meditate

“You cannot control the world around you,” Dr. Cass says, “but regular meditation can help you control your reactions to it.”