Do you feel stretched too thin? Maybe like you don’t have enough time in the day to get things done?

With the winter holidays coming up, many students have stress piling up, especially with the end of the semester and finals approaching. Parties and get-togethers with friends and family are also abundant this time of year, and it’s important to stay prioritized and maintain focus, wellbeing and health.

Many of us, although we have obligations from every angle, know the importance of maintaining a little bit of personal time.

Many studies show that even taking just a few minutes each day to write, take a walk, rest, meditate or otherwise decompress works wonders in lowering stress levels and consequently improving health. Whichever destressor you choose, it’s extremely important to try to mentally distance yourself from the comings and goings of day-to-day life while you engage in your “me” time.

Learning to say, “no,” can also vastly reduce holiday, or year-round, stress levels by helping you set personal boundaries and avoiding taking on more than you can handle. This is a difficult concept for many to employ, as we inherently do not like disappointing others or letting people down. However, stress can pile up if left un-checked, and consequently we end up feeling worse that we didn’t speak up about our wants and needs.

Saying, “no,” might take a little getting used to at first, but it doesn’t have to be painful. For example, if there is a party that you cannot attend, graciously thank the host for inviting you and simply say that you have other plans that night, or simply won’t be able to make it. If the person is a close friend, offering to meet up when both of you have more time is also a healthy way to deal with the situation and convey that you care about your relationship.

Saying, “no,” and setting boundaries with family can admittedly be more difficult, because we usually feel a stronger obligation to our relatives. However, the same rules apply. If there is an event that you simply cannot make or something going on that conflicts with your schedule do not be afraid to speak up.

It is important to remember yourself and not be bowled over by family members who may assume that even though you are busy, you will still automatically “find” time for whatever obligation or request they might be holding you to. Speaking your needs graciously and truthfully is a very constructive way to be true to yourself and help to maintain your holiday sanity.

Getting enough sleep can do wonders. We’ve all heard it before, but this isn’t just going to disappear with wishful thinking. Our bodies need rest to grow, heal and function, and it’s very important to do what we can. Trying to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up the same time each morning can be a very effective tool for health. It creates a sleeping pattern that helps your body handle your resting hours better.

Since food is the fuel for our bodies, eating healthily is a logical step in creating good health. The fast-food pattern of a busy life may not be easy to break, but it’s possible to incorporate eating well into your lifestyle. Try planning simple, quick meals that are nutritious and easy to prepare. Many nutritious recipes can be found on www.eatingwell.com, as well as many other websites on the Internet. Taking a few minutes to plan meals and create a grocery list will help both cut down on time spent at the grocery store and assist you in making good choices when shopping.

With effective attention to our health and well being, these holiday months can turn from stressful to manageable. Our busy lives will still be here, but we will be better able to handle them keeping all of these tips in mind. This holiday season; don’t get sucked into familiar patterns that may be self-sacrificing. Establishing a healthy routine now can set the stage for continuity, enabling you to reap these benefits all year and soon incorporate them into your life on a permanent basis.