It is that time of the year again. The holiday season is here and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This time of the year is always a hectic period of preparing, shopping, and traveling. Students also experience the additional stress of preparing for finals. So what can one do to avoid the stress often experienced at this time? Planning, preparation, and stress management techniques are just a few ways to reduce holiday stress.

     You can begin by developing a plan. You can start by listing the tasks you will have to do over the next two months then place each one on a vertical timeline. Once they are on your timeline, place a box next to each task and check them off as you complete them. This will give you a sense of accomplishment each time you check a box. The timeline can also be an effective way of reminding you of what needs to be done. Hang it in a highly visible location such as your refrigerator, or next to a mirror you use often. If you plan to travel, buy your ticket now, if you have not already done so. You will have a better choice of seats when traveling by air and your ticket will be cheaper than if you wait.

     Once you develop your plan (timeline), make sure you include early preparations: such as, preparing food, shopping, and wrapping gifts. If it is your turn to prepare a big meal, check to see what you can prepare ahead of time and freeze. I often prepare items such as macaroni and cheese ahead of time in a foil pan. Then I place it in a big freezer bag and freeze it. On the day of the big dinner, I just cook it. The foil pan will also reduce the number of pots and pans you will have to wash. Then there is shopping which is usually a major source of stress. You should start it as soon as possible. Most students have limited funds so I always suggest a redeemable card that states you are willing to bake a cake, wash a car (when the weather warms up) or do a task the recipient may enjoy. If you do plan to shop why not shop on-line, you will have a larger selection to choose from and you will avoid the stressful crowds in the stores. If you still prefer to wrap your gifts instead of just putting them in a gift bag, why not wrap them a couple of weeks early and make them part of your holiday

     Finally, there are a few things you can do throughout the holidays that may help you manage your stress. One is to identify activities you have found relaxing in the past. Many have found knitting, walking, crocheting, and other activities to be relaxing. Once you identify them, include them in your weekly activities. You can also add stress-reducing foods such as asparagus, beef, blueberries, and tuna to your diet. In addition, you can make your living space conducive to stress reduction by playing relaxing music, burning candles, and filling your space with aromas that relax you.

I hope you consider using some of these ideas, enjoy your holidays.