How to Avoid Stress During the Holiday Season

Fall inevitably leads to the start of an exciting yet stressful holiday season for most people. Starting in November and going into the beginning of January we feel pressured to be hosts or guests, and shop until we not only drop, but go broke in the process. This year, consider changing your approach and set realistic expectations to help avoid stress and truly enjoy the holiday season.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Holiday budget and spending limits
• Prioritized list of tasks

1. Establish a budget for the holiday season. Include a budget for gifts, parties you will throw and parties you'll attend, along with gifts for your hosts as well as any food or drinks you may bring along, apparel you may purchase and travel. Add a cushion in your budget for any unexpected events and expenses.
2. Talk to family and friends about spending limits on gifts. Be realistic on what you can afford based on the number of people you'll be buying for, in addition to your regular expenses. Remember, your goal should be to have memorable holiday experiences and you can do that without spending a ton of money. Stick to the amounts you decide on and you'll likely be helping out everyone you talk to in addition to yourself.
3. Follow your own shopping strategy to reduce holiday shopping stress. Months in advance start window shopping and keeping an eye on potential gift items online and in magazines. Shop as early as you can to spread out your spending and ensure you'll be ready when the season arrives. Use gift wrapping services when they're offered at the store, especially if they are free.
4. Set priorities for you and your family for the many commitments that will come your way. Say no to things you absolutely do not have time to do, or those that aren't appealing. Use mixes or even pre-made food from the grocery store instead of making everything for each potluck, children's party and party of your own you need food for. Or, if it is your party, ask friends to bring goodies as well.
5. Plan ahead. Make a list of things you've decided to do and set time aside each day to complete a couple of these tasks--both those that require you to leave the house (shopping for food and gifts) and those that you do at home (cards and decorating your home) including your routine items.
6. Understand the real dynamics of your family so you do not become distracted by the nostalgic ideas that are thrown at you via commercials, TV shows and movies during the season. Not everyone has family events where everyone cooks, trims the tree and sings carols around the piano. When you allow yourself to be preoccupied with imagining things will be different than usual, you open yourself to disappointment, piling on the stress. Know what you can and can't control and get everyone to pitch in and make the most of every situation.
7. Care for yourself every now and again in the midst of your holiday preparations and activities. Keep up your exercise routine or at least a shorter version of it, and eat healthy when you can--gaining weight can just add to your stress. Get a massage when you feel particularly overwhelmed. Get plenty of sleep so you're ready for the days to come.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, when you feel stress creeping in, the holiday season is only a few days out of an entire year. Enjoy the time you have and refocus on what's important. Include breathing techniques when you feel tense. Stop and pay attention to your breath, inhale and exhale slowly and deeply and bring the breath through your lower abdomen instead of just your chest area.

Who Can Help: