It's that time of the year when everything is being thrown at you at once. Between Christmas shopping and dealing with family, stress levels are bound to be off the charts.  Here are a few ways to deal that I learned from health expert Raymond Nakamura, a professor at my university   

 Have a strong support system  Family, friends and significant others are one of the most important forms of support in our lives, especially when it comes to emotions. If the family is stressing you out, talk to your friends about it. If your significant other is stressing you out, talk to your family.  This system of support are the people who know you best and are most likely to know how to help you with your problems or make you feel better.    If your family and friends can't give you the kind of support you need, then seek professional health care from some kind of therapist. It's not a sign of weakness or desperation; by doing this, you are taking responsibility for your health and mental stability. 

 Be a problem solver  Nakamura suggests a a four-step process:

1. Belief in yourself: Know that you can solve the problem
2. Definition: Be able to clearly definte what problem needs to be solved (How else will you know how to solve it?)
3. Braingstorm: Come up with options and alternative palns
4. Do what's best: Choose the correct alternative that will provide maximum results all the way around

Get used to this process of problem solving. Make it intuitive so that it starts to come naturally to you.   

Practice relation techniques  Asians have done it forever, yet western doctors are barely figuring it out: Meditate!   How: Sit comfortably, not cross legged. Don't lie down. Close your eyes, breathe naturally, gaze straight ahead in a relaxed/alert manner. Allow you heart/breathing to slow down and do it for 10 -20 minutes a day.   When you save these few minutes for yourself each day to just unwind, it gives you time to relax and remove yourself from the stressful situation surrounding you.    

Keep control of your life  It's proven that people with a sense of mastery or control of their lives suffer fewer symptoms of physical/psychological stress.   Take responsibility for negative and positive things that happen, but do it appropriately. Taking responsilibity is different than blaming yourself or looking for pity.  When something's wrong, talk yourself through it. Be comfortable with your own wods and reflect on what you learn from each obstacle.   

Keep a sense of humor  The science of laughing is known as gelotology. It's scientifically proven that when you laugh, you're happy. Laughing is therapeutic.