The holidays are a time to reconnect with friends and family and decompress from our hectic work schedules. However, they can also be filled with stress, anxiety and fear. Did the holiday cards get put in the mail on time, will the packages arrive, what decorations will we put on the tree, where to put the tree, who’s house are we having dinner at on which days…The list is endless and if the house in question is your own, that just adds to the pressure. So much for the time off from your stressful job!
But it doesn’t have to be as bad as all that. If you’re organized and willing to ask for help, the holidays can be as relaxing as day at the spa (or the golf course). If you want a low stress holiday do yourself a favor and start planning now. The more you plan, the more you know in advance, the easier it is to be prepared when it’s time for the events. Here is a simple way to get everything straight and feel in control no matter how full your holiday schedule.
1. Write the activities on a calendar. If you know what you have to do and when you have time to do it, its easier to see that things get done.
2. Write a list of things you will need for each activity. Again, the more you know, the easier it is to accomplish. Writing out a list of groceries you’ll need for a special dinner, or who gets what gift will not only keep you on budget, but gives you a sense of accomplishment once the task is done. There will be no doubts at the end that you missed someone or something.
Make grocery list, gift lists, decoration plans, transportation schedules and more. If it needs to get done over the holiday, write it down.
3. Ask for help! This is a crucial step in relieving the stress and anxiety of the holidays. The more you ask for help, the easier things become and the more time you will have to enjoy the holiday. Whether you ask a professional, a neighbor, a friend, or your family it’s one less project you have to complete yourself.
Spending a little time now in order to relax and enjoy the holidays isn’t a lot to ask. Especially when you know the sense of relief you will feel when everything falls into place with little effort. Your friends and family will be impressed, you will be relaxed and the holiday will be a bright memory for years to come.
For more information on reducing holiday stress visit: http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=8319235
Happy Holidays!
Kristi
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