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Like any other year, when the year ends, we begin to reflect. Are you energized for the year that was? Did you experience any life-changing achievements? Stressed by all the outstanding tasks that still need to be completed before the year ends? Disappointed by unattained goals or healing from scars? Most importantly, how are you managing the year coming to an end?

The last couple of months of the year is always busy for everyone. If you’re a student, you’re completing final assignments and preparing for exams or if you’re an employee, you’re wrapping up projects, preparing year-end reports, and making plans for the upcoming 12 months. Add to that the potential stress of family get-togethers and festivities over the holidays, so it’s easy to see how stress levels can start to soar.

While a bit of stress over short periods can improve your performance, high levels of stress that last for longer than a couple of days can have a serious impact on your body and mind. Symptoms of stress include head, neck, and backache; low energy levels; anxiety and depression; forgetfulness; and irritability. And when you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s not too long before both your personal and professional life and or academic start to suffer. So, how can you better manage everything and keep your sanity?

Fortunately, there are several ways to handle year-end stress. Keep the following tips in mind:

Learn how to manage other people’s expectations of you

After altering your own expectations, learn how to manage other people’s expectations of you. Talk to some of your colleagues, friends, and family members about the real expectations that can be completed before the year ends. And if there are some unrealistic expectations that you have identified and would like to either shift to the following year or delegate, be transparent about that.

Break down tasks into bite sizes

One of the biggest stressors is the size of what you have to accomplish. Sometimes just viewing the lists of what we need to do can be massive but it is always about perspective. If possible, break down those big tasks into smaller tasks that can be achieved. This is to help us feel a sense of accomplishment so that we are not overwhelmed.

Do something you enjoy every day. 

Set aside 30 minutes to an hour for an activity you love, such as reading, listening to music, playing your favourite sport, or meeting with a friend. This can help you relax and increase your resilience to stress.

Practice self-care

We tend to put all of our projects and others ahead of us during the end of the year mad rush to get it all done. Don’t do this. You’ll be better equipped to handle stress if your mind and body are healthy. Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, exercise, and get enough sleep.

The end of the year comes with celebrating various holidays and welcoming in a brand-new year. It should be a time of joy and yet; it often comes with the stress of having too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. Following some of these tips might just help you get your energy back and enjoy this holiday time and ringing in the New Year.