EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With Christmas just over a week away, Nicole McLaughlin from Butler Hospital joined 12 News at 4 to talk about holiday stress. McLaughlin, who is the Director of Psychiatric Neurosurgery at Butler, explained that it's normal to be stressed at this time of year, and that you must separate the "bad stress" from the more exciting "good stress." Take a step back McLaughlin said while it's tempting to try to make everything perfect for the holidays, you need to think about your core values. She recommends asking yourself, "Is my family going to remember all these things down the line?" Time management During the holidays, McLaughlin says it's important to prioritize and plan ahead. She recommends putting tasks on a calendar and delegating when you can. "Set your expectations, make realistic expectations," McLaughlin said. "You don't have to do everything. It's OK." Saying no "'No,' or 'No, thank you,' is a complete sentence," McLaughlin advised. While it's difficult to turn down friends and loved ones when they ask for help, she said, if they love and respect you, they will understand. Breathing exercises McLaughlin shared an easy technique to help with holiday stress: deep breathing. "Breathe in through your nose for a couple seconds, then breathe out through your mouth," she told 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian. For more on Butler Hospital's neuropsychology program, visit their website here or give them a call at 401-455-6506.