Although most people take a break—whether short or extended—during the holiday season, sometimes the time spent away from work simply involves trading one set of stress for another. Depending on one’s viewpoint, holiday travel, copious amounts of family time, and heaps of indulgent treats can be some of the most appealing aspects of this time of year, or sources of teeth-gritting tension.

“Feeling depressed or anxious is not unusual during the holiday season,” writes Linda Walter in Psychology Today. “Upcoming dinners, parties, and other family or friend gatherings may cause a great deal of stress.”

Walter offers some tips for how to stay centered during the holidays.

Try to Maintain a Routine

“A change in routine can lead to additional stress. Try to exercise at your usual time,” she writes, “and stick to as normal a diet as you possibly can.”

Moderation is Your Friend

“While it may be easy to drink and eat too much at parties and special dinners, we should try not to overindulge with food and/or alcohol,” Walter advises. “Remember, eating and drinking may feel like they temporarily ‘ease the pain’ of the holiday blues, but they can also lead to feelings of guilt.”

Dispense with Guilt

“Try not to put unreasonable pressure on yourself to be happy, to rejoice, or even to enjoy the holidays. Likewise, try not to overanalyze your interactions with others. Give yourself a break this holiday season,” she recommends.

Don’t Idealize

“So many of us have an idealized version of what the holidays should be like and are very disappointed when they don’t live up to those expectations,” Walter writes. “Try to be realistic. Remember, nobody has a perfect holiday or perfect family.”

Live in the Present

“There’s something about being with family and old friends that makes us become who we were and not who we are. When you find yourself reverting to old childhood patterns with family members, try to walk away for a minute and remember who you are now. Also remember that it’s not necessary to play the same role as you did when you were younger, even if others are encouraging you to do so by their behaviors,” she says. “If there is someone at the get-together who knows what you are like today, make sure to reach out to them and draw them into the interactions. That will help to ground you.”