How to get through the final spurt before the Christmas holidays without stress

It's that time of year again. The end-of-semester spurt is weighing on the mood, the to-do lists are getting longer and the pressure is growing. During this phase, small moments of relaxation can make all the difference. You don't have to take an hour-long break to recharge your batteries - sometimes just a few minutes are enough to regain your balance.

Small steps, big impact

We all know that stress is part of life. But how you deal with it makes all the difference. Try to divide your day into stages. Make a plan in the morning: What is really urgent? What can you do later? Taking small breaks between tasks helps to keep your mind clear.

Allow yourself to be realistic. Perfection is not a prerequisite for success. You do what you can and that's enough.

Relax in just a few minutes

If stress gets the better of you, try these exercises:

Deep breathing: Sit down, close your eyes and breathe in deeply through your nose. Pause briefly and then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Repeat this five times. This calms your nervous system and energises you.

Short meditation: Concentrate only on your breath for two minutes. Thoughts come and go - that's okay. Just gently bring your focus back again and again.

Mini-stretching: Stand up, stretch your arms upwards and let your shoulders circle. This movement releases tension that accumulates when sitting for long periods of time.

Mindfulness in everyday life

In addition to exercises, there are small things that can make your everyday life easier. Try to keep your workplace tidy. Chaos on the outside can be transferred to your inside. Also make sure you drink enough water - your body will thank you for it.

Another tip: create a little ritual for the evening. Write down what went well and what you want to do tomorrow. This will help you end the day consciously and switch off better.

Take time for yourself

The Christmas holidays are in sight - hang in there. But remember: your well-being counts more than any deadline. So treat yourself to a little time out where necessary, even if it's just a short walk. You are not alone with your stress and there are always ways to manage it.