There are a couple times during the school year that are overloaded with stress — Christmas and the end of the school calendar. CSAP and NWEA testing. Make-up work. Final projects. Final grades. Concerts. Award Ceremonies. Graduation. My head spins thinking about it all.

Then of course after all those festivities, come more — parties and potlucks to celebrate the accomplishments. It’s all great stuff, but a few coping skills may be in order to get you through this hectic time. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Breathe. Some have been known to stop breathing under extreme stress. Ceasing this activity would only ensure further issues such as heart attacks or strokes, so don’t cause your family undue stress at this time of the year … just remember to breathe!

2. Relax. Throughout the day, escape to Jamaica! Okay, not really as that could put quite the strain on your pocket book and then you’d be further stressed out. Pretend. Close your eyes … the sun sets as you sway in the serenity of your hammock on a secluded white sandy beach. Waves rhythmically push themselves to the shoreline whisking all worries into the ocean. Better? There is nothing like an ocean to soothe stress.

3. Laugh. Woody Allen said, “I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” I hate when that happens. If you can’t find anything to laugh at, read the comics, tell each other stupid jokes, dance in the kitchen while making dinner — that will probably make everyone laugh and you won’t be able to help but join in. Ever realize that when you are exhausted, the most ridiculous things seem hysterical? Laugh!

4. Check Up. Are your teeth clenched? Are your shoulders hiked up to your ears? Is your leg nervously swinging rapidly in the air? Are your neck and shoulders screaming for release? Have you forgotten what you did 5 minutes ago? If you answered yes to any of these … see #2 above.

5. Repeat: “This too shall pass.” “This too shall pass.”

Feel better? Have a stress-free day!

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths. ~Etty Hillesum