The holiday season is frequently touted as the most wonderful time of the year, by a minority, that is. Sixty-nine percent of Americans would strongly disagree, according to a poll by the American Psychological Association.

In the midst of balancing a busy workload, for many the holidays mean weekly parties, financial stress and enough drama to have nearly a quarter of Americans feeling “extreme stress.”

Instead of crumbling under pressure, here are three tips to turn the season of giving into a season of self-care:

Remember the reason for the season

Money is one of the biggest culprits for holiday stress with 69% of Americans feeling stressed over a “lack of money” and 51% feeling “pressured to give or get gifts. If your cash-flow or lack of it makes you weak in the knees, it may be time to re-focus on the true reason for the season. In the hustle to get the perfect gift remember that the cherished memories come from the time we spend with loved ones and not what we purchased for them. Look for ways to scale back and change the focus from money to memories.

Don’t put your exercise routine on pause

Let’s be honest, it’s normal to eat more during the holidays. But take note of how certain foods affect your mood and don’t slow down your exercise routine. Eating foods with more sugar and fat will impact your energy leading you to feel more stressed and tired. Balance your holiday treats by drinking more water and carving out time to move your body.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

As hard as you try, there is a chance that everything won’t unfold as planned and that’s okay. The holidays are not a time to worry about perfection, so don’t stress about things that are out of your control.

By Chivon John