Monday, November 23, 2009
5 Surefire Ways to Reduce Holiday-Related Stress
For many working parents the holidays, while enjoyable, mean extra stress. One thing about holiday stress is that it’s predictable – we know when holiday stress will begin and end. So with a little planning there’s a lot we can do to reduce the amount of stress we experience and the negative impact it has on us.
Here are some ways I found that help reduce holiday stress so you can enjoy this special time of year:
1. Set Priorities
Repeat after me, “I can’t do it all.” It’s all so much fun, but before you know it you’re overwhelmed by too many activities. You don't need to go to every party, volunteer for every bake sale or do everything like Martha Stewart to make your holiday special. Stop and reflect on which traditions are really important to you and your loved ones and which ones you can simply eliminate.
2. Simplify
If you’ve eliminated everything you don’t like to do and you still have a long list, you may need to cut some corners or enjoy things on a smaller scale. Find ways to simplify. Maybe send cards only to people you stay in touch with and don’t worry about a personal note in each one. Malls can be a huge energy drain – talk about stressful! Try shopping online or use catalogs to find just the right something for everyone on your list. As for all the cooking and baking – you may want to go with high-quality store bought items. Trust me no one will mind. Simplifying frees up your energy so you can do more of what you enjoy.
3. Write It Down
Working up a schedule – on paper or on your iPhone – can show you how realistic your plans are. Don’t just make note of the hours of your scheduled activities, include your drive time and you’ll be able to see if you’re packing in too much. At least two weeks before the holiday, write down everything you need to buy. If you keep the list in your purse, so you can remember what you need when you're out running errands. This will save you from stressful last-minute trips to overcrowded stores.
4. Recruit Help
Is Thanksgiving or the Christmas Party at your house this year? Ask family members to bring side dishes or desserts to have a potluck-style celebration. The simplest way to cut down on stress is to hire help. Imagine enjoying your own party like a guest! You can hire a caterer, a bartender, and even rent the tables, chairs and dishes for less than you might think. Or consider hiring some extra help around the house this time of year. If you have someone cleaning your house, you’ll have the extra time you need for gift shopping and holiday-related errands.
5. Take Time for Self-Care
Replenish your energy by taking care of your body - eat right, drink plenty of water and don’t sacrifice your sleep. Be sure to schedule in some time to take a walk or keep up with your exercise routine so you keep your energy level high. Also don’t forget to breathe! A few deep, cleansing breaths can reduce your level of negative stress in a matter of minutes.
This year can be different, with a little planning and a few changes in your routine, this holiday season can leave you feeling fulfilled rather than drained. You can enjoy the holiday to the fullest without the extra stress.
If you could use a little extra help before or after the holidays and you live in the following areas please contact us: the Bay Area Peninsula and South Bay, including Palo Alto, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Atherton, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, and San Jose.
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