Keeping the holidays filled with joy and not stress can be difficult, but there are steps one can take to mitigate feelings of anxiety brought on by the pressures of putting on another perfect holiday season. Ed Lacheta, Mental Health Specialist with Shelby County Community Services recognizes that the list of to-do's grows and financial strains appear during the winter months, but there are simple conscious paths to take to enjoy the moment and bring down that stress.

Planning ahead and making a schedule will not only give a physical layout of what to do but also ease the mind and lessen confusion.

Lacheta says you can take control of your stress levels by exercising lightly, listening to music, and enjoying the sights of the season.

For more information visit www.sccsil.org.

Ed Lacheta appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show live from our studios in downtown Shelbyville.