We all know the holiday season can be a lot to handle. The malls are crowded, college kids are back at home, and bad drivers are abound. It can be hard to find time or ways to destress, but if you're feeling overwhelmed, try out some of these ideas:

1. Work out.

This is a fairly obvious answer, but it works wonders! Take a walk or ride your bike when you're feeling stressed out and your body will release endorphins, making you happier!

2. Get fro-yo.

Anyone who knows me knows I love getting fro-yo when I'm stressed or want to chat. Without going overboard, eating a little fro-yo can be a fun treat, and it's not as bad for you as ice cream or cake.

3. Hang out with high school friends.

I love seeing my high school friends over breaks and catching up on all that has happened since we've last seen each other. Hearing about all the fun things that have happened in your friends' lives will make you feel less stressed about what's going on in your life.

4. Do something nice for someone else.

Whether this is volunteering or simply helping someone out really quickly, get in the spirit of the holidays and do something nice for someone else. I volunteered the other day for the first time in a while and it felt great. I was happy seeing others so happy from something I did.

5. Make lists of things you need to do.

The best way to lessen stress is to sit down and plan out exactly what you need to do, buy, etc. Then you can cross off each thing one by one as you do them. This is a great way to stay on top of all that you need to do during the holidays.

6. Spend quality time with family.

You may be around your family a lot, but taking time to sit down and do something fun with them is completely different, and can be a huge stress reliever. You can watch a movie together, go out to a nice dinner, or play a game together. Getting everyone together is one of the best parts of the holidays.

7. Start a book.

First, grab a soft blanket. Then grab a book. Then, don't move for 4 hours as you read the book in said blanket. Voila! A cozy way to release stress!

8. Clean your room/house.

Although this seems counterintuitive, cleaning can be extremely cathartic. Help your parents clean the house or organize your things in your room so that there's room for new things in the new year. Also, donate your old clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army so that others can wear them and enjoy them just like you did.

The holidays are a wonderful time of giving thanks, being with family, and celebrating life. In our materialistic world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and indulgence, with can lead to stress. Above all, remember what the true meaning of the holidays are, and feel free to do one of the above activities if you are feeling overwhelmed.