Ring in the Season With Less Stress
 

The Holidays are quickly approaching and although this time of year should be a time for joyful celebrations, it can be a time of stress if you don’t know how to manage your time and energy. With a little careful planning you can avoid holiday overload. This year, slow down, simplify, and enjoy the many opportunities the season offers for visiting, giving, and creating new memories. 

·         Plan. Planning seems like an obvious tip, but many people wait until the last minute for baking, buying gifts and making travel plans. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks on your to do list, take out your planner and start prioritizing and scheduling what you have to do into “daily actions”. By breaking down the big picture into small steps, you will feel more in control of your time, which in turn, will reduce your stress. Prioritizing will allow you to modify or eliminate some of the items you thought you “had’ to do. 

·         Keep An Open Mind. Change is a constant. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by not being able to be flexible. There is no guarantee that today’s celebration will be the same as it was in the past. Your grandmother’s holiday dessert may be served along side your new daughter-in-law’s favorite tofu recipe. Keep an open mind and look at nontraditional events as opportunities for growth. You just might discover a “new” favorite tradition.  

·         Take Care Of Yourself. If you haven’t been journaling, now is a good time to start. Journaling can help you track the stressors in your life as well as providing a place for you to jot down a new recipe or idea for next year’s holiday season. Finding quiet time to reflect and relax, even if it’s for only ten minutes, can help you center and regroup. Short walks, bubble baths, a good book, a message, or simply sleeping in, are all little ways to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit during this busy time. 

·         Delegate. Someone once said, “ For peace of mind, resign as general of the universe.” There is no law that says you have to do it all. If you’re worried about getting your house ready for company, hire someone to clean. (There is probably someone out there just waiting for a way to earn a few extra holiday dollars.) If you love to shop and someone else you know likes to bake, try trading some of the tasks you have scheduled. Delegating or trading jobs can be a win-win for everyone involved. If you have children, assign them a holiday chore. With all the baking, cleaning and shopping to be done, there are enough jobs for everyone. Your children will appreciate being involved and they will remember being part of the preparations for years to come. 

·         Keep It Simple. The bombardment of holiday advertisements announcing the latest bells and whistles can get in the way of what is really important during the holiday season. Revisiting traditions, the telling of family stories, and sharing time with friends are simple things that mean a lot.  If you are in a constant state of “doing”, you won’t have time for connecting with others. Be in the moment. Keep it simple. 

·         Set Your Boundaries. It isn’t always easy to say no, especially during the holidays. To help manage stress, learn to graciously say no to invitations or requests that you feel you don’t have the time or energy for. Setting boundaries isn’t for keeping others out, but rather a way for you to take care of yourself. Running yourself ragged to please others is not good for you or your loved ones. “No” is not a four letter word! Chances are, people will be envying your ability to keep things in balance. 

·         Give Back.  Whether you donate your time, resources, or money, giving is a gift to others as well as yourself. Those who receive your help will be grateful for your kindness and you will benefit knowing you have helped make the holidays a happier time for those in need. 

·         Laugh! Laughter can reduce stress by releasing the “feel good” chemicals your body produces. Laughing your way through the spilled gravy on the new tablecloth or Uncle Harry’s bad jokes will help you keep stress at bay.  Smiles and laughter are contagious and will help you keep things in their proper perspective. 

So this year, give yourself the gift of a no stress holiday season. By slowing down and simplifying, you will have the time and energy to enjoy the festivities that come your way. Happy Holidays! 

Colleen Hord is a professional trainer and coach. She assists organizations and individuals in reaching their goals. She is also certified in holistic stress management. Her website is www.aboundconcepts.com.

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