December can be a hectic month, both personally and professionally. Whether wrapping up work projects or preparing for the holidays, you may feel like you don't know which end is up. 

This month's pearls will focus on how you can find balance and cope with the stress. 

Managing stress and finding balance during the holidays can be challenging, but it's crucial for your mental and physical well-being. Here are some tips to help you navigate the holiday season with more ease:

• Set Realistic Expectations: Don't set unrealistic expectations for yourself or others. Understand that perfection is impossible, and it's okay if everything doesn't go as planned.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for yourself. Schedule self-care to do things that bring you joy. For example, taking a walk or meditating. Prioritize your mental and physical health.
• Plan and Organize: Create a schedule or to-do list to help you stay organized. Also, break up the tasks into more manageable pieces that better fit into your schedule. 
• Learn to Say No: It's okay to decline invitations or additional responsibilities if you feel overwhelmed. Set boundaries to protect your time and energy. 
• Delegate Tasks: Share responsibilities with others. Delegate tasks such as cooking, decorating, or planning activities to lighten your load.
• Budget Wisely: Financial stress can contribute to overall stress. Create a budget for holiday spending and stick to it. Consider thoughtful, low-cost gifts or activities.
• Stay Active:  Exercise and physical activity are known stress relievers. Even a short walk or quick workout can boost your mood and energy.
• Connect with Loved Ones: Connecting with those closest to you can relieve stress and mitigate loneliness or isolation. Share your thoughts and feelings, and don't hesitate to ask for support when needed.
• Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Meditation and mindfulness are proven stress relievers. Try the Box Breathing technique to reduce stress.
• Celebrate Traditions: Focus on the traditions and activities that bring you joy. Whether decorating the tree, baking cookies, or watching a favorite holiday movie, find time for activities that make you happy.
• Limit Screen Time: Reduce the time spent on social media or watching the news, as excessive exposure can contribute to stress. Instead, focus on positive and uplifting content.
• Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize sleep to ensure you are well-rested. Exhaustion can amplify the stress from everyday activities. At this time of year, lack of sleep can make life feel overwhelming.
• Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you find stress overwhelming and persistent, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable tools for managing stress. Check out the Employee Assistance Program for more information on available resources.

Visit the HR Health and Wellness Page for more resources.

Got time for more? Check out this Forbes article from Maura Thomas, What Does Work-Life Balance Even Mean?

Also, use the 5-minute Skillsoft Skill Benchmark: Stress Management & Wellness to see where you are regarding managing stress. Depending on your results, Skillsoft will recommend microlearning to help you grow in that area.