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I think we can all agree Christmas, regardless of how much we may love it, brings with it a certain amount of stress. Whether it's agonising over what present to get someone that is particularly awkward, the fact that you're finding it tougher to get up in the mornings and have overslept again, or if you are worrying about what happened at the office Christmas party or even who gets the kids Christmas day.

All of this can leave you distracted, which for those of you working on a construction site, or with dangerous equipment or electricity could have some pretty serious consequences. Just today I've heard about 3 minor car accidents involving people I know, nothing serious just lapses of concentration and broken bumpers. It wasn't even icy.

You can't really avoid the stress I know, it goes hand in hand with the season, but you can try to be more careful as you go about your daily business, take a moment to double or triple check what you've done or are about to do, take note of when you're not thinking clearly and just take a moment to pull yourself together.

In terms of stress prevention, as I said there isn't much you can do, but if you find you are getting stressed just take some slow deep breaths, and get out of the situation that's causing you problems. If it's a crowd, just dash into somewhere where you can buy a cup of tea (coffee probably wouldn't be the best idea) and compose yourself. If it's your family, maybe it's time to go take that walk or visit a friend. Whatever seems important just before Christmas will be practically forgotten two weeks later, it's not worth breaking yourself over.

Your best bet is to find some non-alcoholic way to manage your stress rather than prevent it. Exercise is an excellent start, especially something like boxercise or a martial art, failing that, just go for a run, it's the ideal time to start, take it from me (speaking from the point of view of an overweight geek, running when it's dark saves you a reasonable amount of embarrassment and the colder air prevents early overheating) just make sure that you are visible if you are running near roads.

If exercise isn't your thing just take some more time for yourself, turn off your phone, order in something nice rather than cook (everyone puts on weight around Christmas, especially the dieters who just end up eating more to make themselves feel better, save it for the new year), take longer baths or showers, and just relax. Equally, if your partner is stressed treat them to the same, save them the cooking or run them the bath, it will pay dividends for you both in the long run.

Anyway, drive safe and look after yourselves.

Hugo
17/12/2008