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TEN
STRESS BUSTING TIPS FOR HAPPIER HOLIDAYS
Betty
C. Carlson, Ed.D.
Schedule
some quiet time for yourself--take a walk, watch the sunset,
sit at the beach and watch the ebb and flow of the tide
[or take a quiet walk in the snow]. Think about the upcoming
holiday season and identify priorities for your time and
energy expenditures. Eliminate activities that are not satisfying
to you personally or professionally.
Decide on a budget for holiday spending--write it down and
stick to it! Pre-planning your budget now will eliminate
impulse spending and reduce financial stress.
Use a large wall calendar for December to mark down activities,
social events, and need-to-do items. Color code for each
family member. Remember to schedule time to do family things
together.
If using a catalog or shopping services, call early and
keep a written record of your order. Use 1-800 numbers to
reduce phone shopping costs.
Organize your gift wrapping supplies early. Stock up on
extra tape, ribbon, gift tags, paper, and other items. Designate
one place for gift-wrapping and keep all items together.
Put scissors, colored pens, stickers, etc., back in the
same place each time you use them.
If you send holiday cards, organize all supplies in one
large box--cards, envelopes, your address list, stamps,
return address stamp/labels, etc. Work on a few cards each
day until you are finished. Set a deadline for mailing and
work backward until completion.
Avoid lines at the post office. Mail packages early--stock
up on stamps and other mailing supplies before the holiday
rush. Contact your local post office to find out special
hours for holiday schedules.
Examine your holiday activities and routines-eliminate those
that are no longer rewarding for you. Ask for help from
others, or delegate to family members who may have more
time than you. Purchase or rent services that you need and
don't have time to do.
Adjust your expectations of yourself this season--now is
NOT the time for the "Martha Stewart" syndrome--doing
everything perfectly, with grace, elegance, and style. Remember
to have fun and enjoy the season.
Determine to do at least one POSITIVE and FUN thing for
yourself this season. Often we are so caught up in holiday
busyness that we neglect ourselves. Taking good care of
YOU will enable you to enjoy the holidays more and be more
relaxed and responsive for others. |
