Glam Slam: The Friday Five — Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress

The nonstop holiday song-a-palooza started on LA radio even earlier than usual. The stores and malls have been decked out for Christmas long before we even celebrate Thanksgiving.

Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us.

Don’t let the whirlwind leave you overwhelmed. InStyle magazine suggests five ways to reduce holiday stress.

1. PREPARE YOUR STATEMENTS
Running around town at the last minute looking for the perfect outfit? Not a calming experience. Before the season is upon you, invest in one or two great statement necklaces (check out Banana Republic and J.Crew for affordable options). They make even the most basic LBD look party-ready.

2. MASTER THE BRAIDED BUN
Why worry about your hair when it’s simple to create a stunning style? Just sweep strands into a low pony, braid the tail, and coil it into a bun, tucking in the ends.

3. SNACK HAPPY
Don’t feel bad: A steady diet of poached chicken and boiled eggs would make anyone hostile. “A small, therapeutic dose (about 30 grams) of carbs eaten without fat or protein will improve your mood and take away your appetite,” says Judith J. Wurtman, co-author of “The Serotonin Power Diet.” Pretzels, anyone?

4. PUT ON A HAPPY FACE
Back-to-back parties can drain the life–not to mention the beauty–out of you. To return a twinkle to your eyes, apply redness-relieving drops, says LA makeup artist Fiona Stiles. Line bottom inner rims with a peach-toned pencil, and restore glow with a shimmery pink blush.

5. BOOK SALON VISITS EARLY
“Most of the holiday parties happen in the last two weekends of December,” says Jan Yager, author of “Work Less, Do More,” who recommends calling salons in late November to set up appointments (put a note in your datebook now to remind yourself). If you wait until the last minute, the person you want may not be available.

Check out InStyle’s December issue, on sale today and go to www.InStyle.com.