This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but often it’s the most stressful.

“The season to be merry is also the season for stress and anxiety,” says Jyl Glunt, a health and wellness specialist at the Excela Health Well-Being Center-Mind Body Health. “Shopping, decorating, parties, family — all those things can add up to be overwhelming.”

So, how to manage all the holiday preparations, obligations and expectations?

“Make a list of all the things you need to do for everyone else, and also make a list of all the things you need to do for yourself,” Glunt says. “Work on your self-care.”

The first step in self-care can be to accept that the holiday season probably will somewhat hectic, at least.

It’s hard to find a parking space at the crowded mall where you search for that one gift that’s sold out everywhere. Porch pirates make off with your Amazon order. The kids are home from school, hyped up on candy canes and the prospect of presents.

Here are a few tips for creating an island of calm in the midst of chaos.

Start with self-care

• Get some exercise. Physical activity is one of the best ways to release stress and anxiety, Glunt says. To make it easier to incorporate into your routine, do something you enjoy, be it walking, running, dancing, swimming, yoga or something else.

Find a spot at the far end of the mall parking lot and take an extra lap around the interior as you shop, Glunt says.

• Go outside. A little fresh air goes a long way in clearing the head.

“Mother Nature is the best medication sometimes,” Glunt says.

• Take a breather. Slow, deep breaths calm an overloaded nervous system.

Glunt calls it taking a “power pause” — a moment to close your eyes, check in with your senses, repeat a calming mantra, focus on where you want to be emotionally rather than where you are.

• Stick to your health care routine. It’s easy to forget medications and doctor appointments in the midst of the hustle and bustle, which can lead to increased problems with physical and emotional well-being.

Find your bliss

• Buy into what the holidays are selling. Positive vibes abound during the holidays — find a way to enjoy the cheer, the music and the love that is offered.

“It’s a beautiful time of the year, but sometimes we lose track of that,” Glunt says. “Smell the cookies, go outside when it’s snowing, listen to some music.”

• Fake it ‘til you make it. Keep your Grinch-y thoughts to yourself and maybe they’ll go away.

• Keep expectations low. You might not get that special, longed-for gift, but that’s no reason not to enjoy what you do get.

Think about presence — focusing on sharing quality time with others — rather than presents.

• Give of yourself — your time, talents and resources. Giving to others can bring big returns in feelings of satisfaction and self-esteem.

Set some limits

• Decide which invitations you can accept and which you can’t.

• Pare down your gift-giving list. Do any of us really need more stuff?

• Set a budget and stick with it. If it’s hard to keep track of your spending with a credit card, pay with cash.

• Slow down on the road. Everyone is in a hurry, and many drivers will be a little distracted. Winter driving can be treacherous.

Go further into self-care

• Good food and drink is everywhere — try not to overindulge.

Everything on the buffet or cookie table looks inviting, Glunt says. Choose only what you really, really like and savor it slowly. When all else fails, move away from temptation.

• Keep the lines of communication open. Talk with family and friends about plans and expectations.

People tend to have specific ideas about the “perfect” holiday celebration — which may not jibe with yours. Talk things out beforehand so no one is disappointed or resentful.

• Choose company wisely. Limit time spent with difficult people.

• Take some topics off the table. Do you really need to revisit family controversies or talk politics at the dinner table? Steer the conversation to lighter topics, like entertainment, happy memories and travel plans. Ask everyone to share a gratitude list.

• Your feelings are your feelings. Don’t beat yourself up if certain circumstances prevent you from feeling the joy. Find a trusted relative, friend or professional to confide in.

• If you’re still not feeling it, maybe it’s time to book a trip to a faraway island and spend Christmas with toes in the sand and tropical cocktail in hand.

Aruba, anyone?

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