The holiday season is an exciting time that many look forward to each year. There are opportunities for spending time with friends and family and participating in festivities. However, the holidays can also be a source of stress. For students, this time of year also comes with the added pressure of looming assignment deadlines and final exams. Here are some tips for balancing your obligations during the holiday season.
Create a To-Do List
When there is a lot going on in your life, it’s a great idea to create a to-do list of things you need to get done. When you do not write things down, you may experience extra stress in some situations because you are trying to remember everything in your head, including critical tasks that you can’t afford to overlook. Once it’s written down, you know what you have to do. Plus, it feels good to cross things off your list as you complete them, which highlights your ongoing accomplishments.
Don’t Lose Sight of the Finish Line
Remember that your primary focus should be on academics. Prioritize studying for final exams and completing any other assignments that are due before the winter break starts. Manage your time wisely so that you can find a balance between social events and academic obligations. Once you complete all of your assignments, you’ll be able to enjoy your time off even more.
Spending Time with Family
Being in school, you probably don’t spend as much time with your family as you used to due to a busy schedule. The holidays are an opportunity to reconnect and spend quality time with your family. Added time with your family could also be a source of stress due to differing personalities. Try to enjoy the company of others and keep the conversations lighthearted by avoiding the topics that you know may lead to heated debates.
If you’re staying with family over the break, don’t forget to give yourself time to decompress. It can be tiring and stressful spending so much time with others, even loved ones. Every now and then, take some time for yourself—go for a walk, read a book, or do something else that’s relaxing or recharging.
Gifts
The pressure of buying gifts for people in your life can contribute to holiday stress. Don’t feel like you need to buy anyone an expensive, elaborate gift. Your friends and family would rather spend time with you than receive a material object. Some great inexpensive gift options are a framed picture, baked goods, a homemade card, or a secondhand item, such as sharing a book you enjoyed during the year.
When it comes to the holiday season, it’s best to have a sense of humor and go with the flow. What is most important during this time of the year is meeting your academic goals and spending quality time with those closest to you. With careful planning and the right mindset, you’ll find yourself feeling great about how your studies ended and feeling prepared for the challenges to come in the new year.