Creating Your Low-Stress Holiday Season
By Donna Stark
Even though the end of this year's major holiday season is getting closer every day, there is still a lot to do. The planning never seems to stop, the shopping could go on forever, and there is always something new to add to the list. It's important to manage your days as best as you can ... so how have you been doing? What's your stress level been like? How many times have you needed to remove yourself from a situation to quietly scream and count to 10 in your head? It's downright foolish to think that this time of year can be completely stress-free. But can it be low-stress? You bet!
Reducing the Season's Stress
Enjoy this time of year as much as you can by reducing some of the stress that invades your days. It may take some intentionality, it will most likely take some boundary setting, but it can be done! Here are four simple ways to keep the season's stress to a minimum.
- Make a budget - It's easy to stress over finances this time of year and even easier to overspend, so try to incorporate a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you want to spend on gifts as well as how much to allocate toward other "must-dos" of the season, such as special events and eating out.
- Make some time - More holiday activities certainly don't equal more family fun, so choose quality over quantity. Limit what you say yes to, and only commit to those events that are truly meaningful to you and the other members of your family.
- Make life simple - The process of gift-giving can easily get out of hand, so take some steps to simplify it. Choose few, but more meaningful, items and make a list before you head out the door; structure your shopping so you are getting the most done in as few shopping trips as possible.
- Make dinner easier - Holiday dinners can be overwhelming with all of the separate courses and deluxe treats, but most especially if you are doing all of the cooking! Give yourself a break and ask others to contribute. Yes, many people express their love through the food they cook, but it's really OK to share that quality with others who can help. And who knows? You may end up loving a new recipe!
'Tis the Season to be Merry
Don't suffer through the stress this holiday season and stop hiding in the pantry while you count to 10! By taking some steps that will help reduce the stress and anxiety that you typically feel, and giving yourself some space, you will truly be able to enjoy what this season is all about. You may even be surprised to see how much of a positive impact that just a few small changes can make. Happy (low-stress) holidays!
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