Article: Physical signs that you are suffering from stress will help you diagnose the problem. Heed these signs so that you can take actions to rejuvenate your body and enjoy the holiday season. Some of the physical signs to watch for include: Tight muscles. Stress hormones can cause your muscles to contract for extended periods of time. Shallow breathing. When your body is in fight-or-flight mode, your breathing quickens and you become more alert. Headaches. Not all headaches are caused by stress, but if they consistently surface in difficult moments, they may be stress headaches. Lack of energy. If your body is maintaining its stress response over a period of time, you will suffer from a lack of energy to put toward other activities, such as spending quality time with family and friends. Get a good number of restful hours per night, or the sleeplessness will become a vicious cycle: the less you sleep, the more you need; the more you need, the less time you have to prepare for and appreciate the holiday season, and the more taxed you will feel. Ensure that you have 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Leave last minute tasks for tomorrow. Avoid getting bogged down in holiday planning and responsibilities. Set aside an hour or two of "winding down" time before you drift off. This will help your body prepare to enter the sleep state. Avoid electronics and noisy environments right before bed. Enjoy the crackle of the fireplace instead! Nutritious eating is a powerful measure to ensure your body's ability to handle stress. Stay away from sugar, fat, and caffeine. Instead, opt for foods with high fiber content and carbohydrates, such as baked sweet potatoes. Fruits and vegetables are also a good choice. Avoid eating as a stress management tactic. This can lead to guilt and health problems associated with overeating. With all the great food circulating around during the holiday season, this is an especially important caution to take. Many people love to appreciate the holidays with a glass of eggnog. Moderate amounts of alcohol may temporarily relieve stress and increase enjoyment, but research shows that alcohol can also prolong stress-related tension. Consuming a reasonable amount (1-2 drinks) is usually safe and may even confer certain health benefits, but be careful and consult your doctor if you have concerns. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins: the chemicals in the body that promote good feelings. Choose an activity you like and are likely to stick with; almost any form of exercise will do the job. If the gym is closed for the holidays, try running outside! If you have health concerns or haven't exercised in a while, consult your doctor first. Finding a workout buddy will increase the enjoyment factor. In the middle of everything, remember to breathe. Allow your body a moment of relaxation; let your body do what it naturally does. Practice deep breathing techniques to keep your calm amidst the holiday chaos. Take a deep breath, allowing the air to fill both your belly and your chest. Count to three, and then exhale. Repeat this a few times until you feel your body begin to unwind. Breathe normally, while counting your breaths. You can use "one" for inhales and "two" for exhales, or you can go all the way to ten. This focusing technique will drown out stressful outside influences.

What is a summary?
Notice stress in your body. Get enough sleep. Eat well. Watch your alcohol intake. Exercise. Breathe.