Can you believe that it’s almost Thanksgiving and before we know it, it’ll be 2010? The holiday season brings out a whole array of special time and stress management challenges as we try to cope with the chaos of the celebratory season. Here are some tips for making it through to New Year’s feeling merry instead of drained:
1. Don’t overplan. Try buffering your plans with plenty of flexible time for the unexpected. Keeping your commitments to a reasonable number and well-spaced-out also makes it easier for you to stay relaxed instead of drained and exhausted by the pace. You will get more out of having a small number of events that you really enjoy than trying to do everything. Not to mention that others will enjoy your company more if you’re not too crabby to have fun!
2. Remember that you may not be able to say yes to everything and everyone. Saying no to some things is okay, even to family. People who try to control every aspect of your holiday time and experience may need some firmness if you are reteaching them new expectations. Be matter-of-fact, kind and unapologetic. Most people are understanding of the fact that everyone has a lot on their plate this time of year.
3. Take care of your body. Sure, you may choose to over-indulge a bit now and then, but don’t go too far. Get enough sleep most of the time, eat well most of the time, stick with at least some of your exercise routine, pray or meditate if you usually do, and do whatever else keeps you functioning well the rest of the year.
4. Stick to a budget. If you have one, follow it; if you don’t, it’s not too late to create one. You will enjoy the holidays more if you are at peace with yourself and know that you are using your resources responsibly.
5. Use your time management tools. If you have gifts to buy or events to plan, be sure to keep your calendar and your to-do-lists up to date. When you’re busiest is just when you’ll need them the most to help you plan and keep everything straight.
6. Lighten up! Don’t take the holidays too seriously. When it comes down to it, they are days like any other, and they will pass. What matters most is… all the things that matter most to you throughout the year. So if a holiday turns out to be stressful, frantic or full of drama, take some deep breaths and remember… it’s just one day.
7. Have fun! Are there certain traditions about the holidays that mean a lot to you? They might be small or large, but be sure to make some of them happen for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect, while forgetting the one or two things that might make the holidays magical for you. For me, it’s truly enjoying the first snowfall of the season, and getting to make some seriously good stuffing and pumpkin pie… not to mention sharing some time with my loved ones.
Hope these tips help as you venture into the holiday season!
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