With the holidays coming up, it can be especially difficult to minimize stress. You have so many things to do, you can barely count them, let alone cope with it in a way that doesn’t make you crazy.

1. Work out

You know how much of a proponent I am for physical activity. This is probably one of the most important things you can do for your stress level. Whether you like lifting weights, running, or just simply taking a walk around the block–get up and do something. You’ll expend energy on exercise, thus having less to stress.

2. Get organized

Go to google and print out one of those blank monthly calendars for December/January. Write down everything, including which bills are due when and how much, your work schedule, your travel schedule, days off, and anything else of significance to you. Once you have it all on paper and out of your head, you can literally take things one day at a time.

3. Clean

To get rid of clutter in your head, many people find that cleaning actual clutter can lessen that stress. Your desk at work, or your home. Throw away things you don’t need. Focus on one area and tackle it one at a time. For example, do what I did the other night. I began with the kitchen. I took a good look at my fridge and threw out anything expired or no longer available for consuming. Let that moldy sandwich in the back corner represent your stress, and toss it right into the trash. Then I tackled the dishes. I put on  some good TV and one by one scrubbed plates and bowls and forks until it was empty. Hey, chores are hard and time-consuming. But I felt so much better when I came home to a clean kitchen!

4. Make time for yourself

It’s the season of giving, but you have to remember yourself too. Clear out some time each day to do something you like. Watch some TV, surf the web, read a book. Take a bath or give yourself a manicure. No matter what your go-to activity is, give yourself that time dedicated to only you. It’s not selfish, it’s just taking care of yourself. You don’t just deserve it, you need it to stay stress-free!

5. Tell yourself it will be OK and count the good things

It’s a busy time of year. Don’t dwell on things that are minor issues because scheduling conflicts and/or road bumps are bound to arise. It happens. Just handle it all like rule number 2, one day at a time. Stay focused on what tasks need to get done and think positive. Remember all the good things you have in your life. Do you have a million Christmas gifts you need to buy? That means you have a million people in your life to be thankful for. Extra hours at work? Extra income! Spin it that way and your stress level will go way down.

We are in the midst of the holiday rush, but it’ll be over before you know it. Hopefully these tips will give you some guidance for a smooth transition into 2015!