As we approach the end of the year, do you find that you still have too many things left undone? The following tips will help you reduce your stress levels and get more done so that you can begin 2019 organised, stress-free and ready to conquer any challenges.

Plan Out the Rest of Your Work

As December begins, take a few moments to plan out the rest of your work for the month. What important activities remain undone? What activities can wait until the start of the new year, and what needs to be done, now? Make a list of every important task that needs to be completed before the end of the year.

Once you have a list of the tasks you must complete this month, break out your calendar and mark off blocks of time on each working day that you will dedicate to specific tasks. Try to keep a few free hours each week where you don’t have any activities plan so that there is room in your schedule each week to absorb the little things that always seem to come up and derail your plans. This way, if you need a little extra time to wrap up a specific task, you will have time to finish it already build into your schedule!

Identify and Manage Your Stress Triggers

Most of us know that we’re going to be facing increased pressure during this time, but few of us do anything to prepare. One way to reduce your stress during this season is to take the time to identify those things that make year’s end particularly stressful and take constructive steps beforehand to reduce the pressure.

What is it about this time that stresses you out? Do you have extra commitments in your personal life due to the holidays? Are you having trouble juggling the demands between work and home life? What steps can you take to free up some time and reduce your stress? Could you delegate or outsource some of your tasks so that you have a little less to do and more time to focus on the essential work that only you can do? Stay focused on accomplishing your most important tasks this month, and delegate or outsource less critical tasks to others so that you have more time to finish your most important work!

Don’t Forget to Celebrate

There are several holidays and related events as the year comes to a close. While it’s important to focus your attention on finishing your most important projects, it’s equally important to spend time with both your colleagues and loved ones. Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the holidays with your family during the season. Go out for lunch, drinks, or host an office potluck, so that you and your team can celebrate all that you have accomplished during the year. Allowing yourself to get into the spirit of the season will help to lower your stress levels and re-energise you, giving you just that little boost that you need to power through the rest of your workload and end the year on just the right note!