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Other >> Holiday Stress Hotspots: Manage Stress with Knowledge |
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2006-01-25
| Simma Lieberman
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There are four main causes of holiday stress: gift giving
obligations, expenses, a lack of time, and unrealistic
expectations about creating a perfect holiday. To reduce holiday
stress, arm yourself with knowledge. Know the ins and outs of
these top four holiday stress hotspots and follow these
effective stress-reducing tips:
Holiday Stress Hotspot #1: Gifts
* Make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for.
* Look for gifts you can buy for multiple people. Similarly,
look for stores where you can buy many gifts for a lot of
people.
* Plan a few back-up gifts, generic gifts with blank cards for
people you might forget or who unexpectedly give you a gift.
* Focus on the point of gift giving: showing your appreciation
for someone. Enjoy the process of finding them something they'll
like.
* If you don't like shopping, plan a single gift shopping day.
Make this day sooner than later to avoid the holiday shopping
craze.
* Or, don't go shopping. Thanks to the internet and catalogues,
there is enough time to order gifts so you don't have to leave
your house or office.
* Better yet, take off the whole month of December and go to the
mountains where no one can call, email or page you.
Holiday Stress Hotspot #2: Holiday Expenses
* Set a budget, and stick to it. Don't buy gifts that you'll
spend the rest of the year trying to pay off.
* Think of alternative ways to give gifts (set up a gift
exchange, make some handmade gifts or foodstuffs).
* Choose inexpensive ways of entertaining and enjoying. Have a
potluck party instead of providing all the food yourself.
* Do activities with family and friends that cost little or no
money: go on walks, have a movie night instead of going to see
the latest blockbuster together.
* Give the gift of a phone call or note. Let the people you care
about know how important they are to you with words, not
expensive gifts. Most people need this type of nourishment in
general and may need it even more during the holidays. It may be
the best gift they get.
Holiday Stress Hotspot #3: A Lack of Time
* Complete your gift shopping early. This will relieve you of
one of the biggest time stresses during the holidays.
* Refuse Invitations. You don't have to go to every party you're
invited to. If party going becomes a chore or exhausting, step
back and slow down the pace.
* Take time for yourself. With so much emphasis on time with
family and friends, many people feel guilty taking time for
themselves. Take it. When you consciously plan to have alone
time, it keeps you empowered and reduces possible feelings of
melancholy during the holiday season. You will also be also be
less overwhelmed by external stimuli.
* Share the tasks. Don't take on too much. View your to-do list
as an opportunity to spend time with people.
* Share responsibilities and your tasks will take half as long
and be more enjoyable.
Holiday Stress Hotspot #4: Anticipation and Expectations
* Be realistic. Just because it's the holidays, family issues
will not suddenly disappear and everything will not be perfect.
* Adjust your expectations. Expect a few bumps in the road at
family events and gatherings and you'll be better able to deal
with them.
* Relish Traditions. Focus on those little traditions that make
evoke positive memories for the holidays: songs, events,
rituals, etc. Consider creating new traditions if older ones are
marred with mixed memories.
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