By Briana Hayes
Staff Writer

The holidays bring together families and are supposed to spread joy. However, with all the festivities comes stress.

With the hard-earned money seemingly flowing out of your wallet, sometimes the sugar plum fairies that are supposed to dance over our heads aren’t always that apparent.

The idea that the holidays are supposed to be perfect adds even more stress into an already busy time of year.

The biggest way to relieve holiday stress is to take a breather for at least 15 minutes. Even the best multitaskers tend to fall apart during the holidays.

Try and focus on only one task at a time. Try and remember to enjoy the holiday tasks as well. Don’t make decorating a chore, but a fun holiday activity.

Stress can be just another thing to add to your list of things to worry about this season. It weakens your body and has the ability to make you sick, mentally and physically.

Enjoying the holidays should be your number one priority as soon as finals are over. In order to keep the stress low, preparation is key. Make sure you know what gifts you are giving to each person.

In addition, buy some little gifts that aren’t too expensive. This will prevent the sometimes inevitable stress that comes when unexpected people give you gifts.

Winter and colder weather is the perfect time to curl up by the fire and read a book, watch a movie,or sip some hot chocolate.

Relaxing is intrinsic to stress reduction. In the whirlwind of receipts and cooking, sometimes it is just best to get away from it all.

Another way to relieve your stress is by exercising. Exercising increases endorphins, which generally makes you happier.

In addition, working out will provide you with more energy to get the rest of your tasks done.

If you don’t have enough time to add even more tasks to your day, there are even simpler things you can do that only take about a minute. Try writing one word on an index card and put it where you can see it everyday.

One simple, holiday-oriented word can brighten your day, reduce your stress and keep you in the holiday spirit. Try “peace” or “serenity.”