Holiday season is here, and with comes stress.  There are, however, many ways to handle the various stresses that come with presents, pumpkin pie, and Christmas carols. Here are several ways to manage it:

CREATE A TO-DO LIST:
      You’re going to be busy so writing it down will help you be as effective as possible. When one task is done just look at your list and move onto the next one. Or if you are running errands you can route your trip to have an efficient trip.  Additionally, checking off items helps is a reward in itself. It provides some joy in completing your goals.

ASK FOR HELP:
      You’re not Superman or Wonder Woman. Ask for help. It’s that simple. If your loved one is running to the store, see if they can pick up some wrapping paper for you. Or if you need help cleaning the entire house, then get help. Don’t add additional stress by trying to clean, wrap, cook, and work. Usually those situations just give birth to chaos.

LEARN THE WORD "NO":
      Holiday season brings a lot of chores and adding items to your to-do list only makes life harder for you. Learn to say no by recognizing when your time is limited. Again, by creating a to-do list it will be easier to analyze your day and judge if you can take on extra work. If not, then simply say “Sorry I can’t,” or “Let me finish my to-do list, and I’ll see if I can.”

RELAX:
      Last but no least, learn to treat yourself. Don’t let the holidays be associated with hard work and no play. Take in the season. Enjoy it. There is a reason it is one of the best times of the season. Reserve some “me” time either in the morning or at night. This way your work and chores are not interrupted.

There are many more ways to reduce stress. Don’t stick to this list, though. Find ways to weave these habits and one’s you find helpful into your life on a constant basis, and finally reduce some of the holiday stress and enjoy the season for once. 


BCM Office of Communications, BCS Momentum,  http://momentumblog.bcm.edu/2014/12/17/tips-to-help-cut-stress-enjoy-the-holidays/ (12/17/2014)