Monday, December 20, 2010
7 Time Management Tips for the Holidays
Feeling stressed with so much to do? December is hectic! Here are seven time management tips that will help you get the important things done and 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. Get started early and plan ahead. Think ahead so you don’t have to cram everything into the last couples of weeks before the holidays. Do some extra housecleaning, decorating and shopping ahead of time. You might want to get ahead on your work – if that’s possible – so you don’t have to stress about work deadlines when you’re trying to focus on your family.
3. Shop online. Malls can be a huge time and energy drain – the long lines and wars over parking spaces can take a real toll! Not only will you avoid the hassle and save time, you can also save a lot of money by doing your shopping online. Just remember to be aware of shipping deadlines so all your gifts arrive on time.
4. Make a list. 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.
5. Combine errands. If you keep your list in your purse, you can remember what you need when you're out running errands. This will save you from stressful last-minute trips to overcrowded stores. Instead of running back and forth to the store dozens of times pre-plan and coordinate your journeys. Traffic is usually worse this time of year so try to go at slower times of the day.
6. Recruit help. Is the holiday 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 save time 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.
7. 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. 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 time so you can do more of what you enjoy.
With these simple time-management tips this holiday season can leave you feeling fulfilled rather than drained. You can enjoy the holiday to the fullest and spend more time with your loved ones.
If you need assistance putting some of these ideas into action, please contact us at Simplify. And if you live here in the Silicon Valley we offer a complimentary in-home consultation for your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!
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