‘Tis the season for stress! People all over the country are stressing themselves out during what should be the most joyous time of the year. Are you one of these people? You don’t have to be. Really, you don’t. If you take a step back and make a pact with yourself to stop stressing during the holidays and follow some holiday stress tips, you’ll be able to finally enjoy yourself.
- Make a schedule and stick to it. If you can’t stick to it, don’t stress over it. Prioritize your list and take things off of it that aren’t important.
- Make a budget and stick to it. Don’t put yourself into debt or more debt that you already have; it will only cause you more stress later.
- Delegate tasks that you don’t have to do. Don’t take it all on yourself – it’s not all your responsibility. Other people can take things off your hands and, if you don’t trust them to do it right, write specific instructions out for them.
- Do things in advance so you aren’t crunched for time. Try to plan a month or more ahead for events and get togethers. Prepare foods ahead of time if you can, and ask people to bring food to contribute to the dinner or other festivities.
- Get enough sleep. Staying up late to wrap presents will only make you feel grumpy the next day.
- Remember to eat. You’re busy and your body needs fuel, and skipping meals can affect your mood.
- Avoid your least favorite relatives. When possible, become involved in activities they are not involved in and skip those that they do attend.
- Remember the holidays don’t have to be perfect.
- Take time for yourself (more than you usually do).
- Eat, laugh and be merry!
Photo Courtesy of :laurenatclemson on Flickr
Thu, Dec 3, 2009
Stress