6 Ways to Decrease Holiday Stress

DECREASE HOLIDAY SEASON STRESS
By: Aviva Tabac, Embrace Your Life Coaching

November is here and Jingle Bells are playing in full swing a the malls, and the radio waves! The countdown to how many shopping days until Christmas is in full swing! As well, the panic signal goes off in your brain which sends you into stress mode for the next 6 weeks. How about taking a fresh approach to the holiday season this year? How would you like to lower your stress level and actually enjoy the holidays with family and friends? Here are 6 tips to help you achieve just that!

1. Set Goals and plan Early – Get yourself a simple notebook that will be dedicated to the holiday season. I know that we are in a technology driven world, but I am still old school!
Before you write a 10 page holiday “to do” list, set a few goals for the holiday season.
What do you want the holidays to feel like, look like? Do you want to host a meal? Do you want to plan new traditions with your family? You get the idea! Find some quiet time and get started right away!

2. Make a list to correspond with each goal– Now that you have some clear goals on the holiday season, write each one on its own piece of paper in your notebook. Under each goal, list all the things that need to get done in order for you to achieve that specific goal. For example, if one of your goals are to have all holiday baking prepared and in the freezer by December 10th. Baking can be a huge undertaking when you are busy with work and family. How about hosting a “Baker’s Dozen Girls Night Out”! Invite 10 + friends over, have them each prepare one dozen of a cookie, bar or square for each guest attending (this can be as small or as large of a group as you would like!!). Everyone brings their own containers to the party, packs a dozen of each and Voila! Your holiday baking is complete! Each person goes home with 10 to 15 different types of baking for the holidays! At the end of the night, you will have achieved your goal and as an added bonus, enjoyed the company of friends that you may not get to see over the holidays.

3. Set a budget – It’s no secret that everyone is cutting back on spending during these difficult economic times. But, we still tend to get caught up in the “holiday spirit” of giving, and we often over spend on everyone. If you create a realistic budget for gift giving, and stick to it, you won’t dread those credit card bills come January. Check out my website this month at www.embraceyourlifecoaching.com for some creative, fun and inexpensive alternative holiday gift ideas!

4. Delegate – It’s in our female genetic make up to take on all the preparation for the holidays and not ask or accept help from anyone. In order to truly enjoy the holiday season, you must make a commitment to delegating. For example, if you are hosting a meal over the holidays, why not make it a potluck? Create the menu of dishes that you would like to see on your table, and request each guest to bring your selected dishes!! The best part? You can actually enjoy the meal with family friends without praying that the meal goes quickly so you can rest.
Get your kids and significant other on board! Allow them to decorate the house, and even make the holiday cards I know, it doesn’t always look the way we want – but, we sometimes have to let go of the control, and embrace and welcome the help.

5. Make time for your self – Let’s not fool ourselves, there will always be an element of stress during the holiday season. I hope you will put yourself high on the priority list, and make time to step back and decompress when you feel overwhelmed. Pre book a manicure, lunch with a friend, or just a hot bath and early bedtime. Listen to your body, it will give you all the signals to alert you that you need a break. Some of those symptoms may be fatigue, mood swings and excessive eating. Remember, the holiday season will not be enjoyable for anyone if you are bed ridden with the flu or just flat out exhausted. Consider your health while trying to make this the best holiday ever!

6. Gratitude and Enjoy – Once the decorations are up, the presents are wrapped, and meals are prepared, now it’s time to really enjoy and be grateful. Enjoy the present moment with family and friends! Make the most of all that you have been blessed with. So when you sit down to write your goals, make sure that Gratitude and enjoyment are on the list.

For more holiday ideas, and downloads, feel free to visit my website to access some great information and tips that will help make this the best holiday season ever!