Ten Easy Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

FEELING HOLIDAY STRESS?  Looking for solutions? Try these ten easy tips.

It’s that time of year when we start to think about the upcoming holidays and everything that it involves: family, friends, presents, what to wear, food, travel and much more. It is important that we prepare ourselves and get ready to welcome this busy time of year. We need to reconsider and re-evaluate what the holidays really mean to us and how to accomplish the most in the least amount of time so that we can better enjoy and cherish the festivities. Here are a few ideas to reduce stress during this season and savor every moment of the holidays.

 

1. Plan your day and manage your time. Make various “to do” lists and classify the items into different categories.

2.  Do not over-commit. Prioritize your invitations by the most important events for you and your family.

3.  Share tasks. Set realistic goals for the amount of projects you can do in one day and ask for help.

4. Prepare for shopping days. Eat a good breakfast and always carry a snack with you. Wear comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, and do not forget your shopping list.

 

5. Make a budget. Be true to yourself and do not set your expectations too high. The holidays are not about impressing anyone.

Get enough rest and sleep.

6. Take a break and reward yourself. Get enough rest and sleep.

7.  Be patient and understanding with others.  Make it a point to be courteous and try to remember that everyone is under the unusual stress of the holiday season.

8.  Indulge without guilt. Do not get upset with yourself if you overindulge.  Remember to be good on a daily basis and to exercise.

9.  Give the gift of health by giving healthy gifts that help people find well-being and balance.

10.  Last but not least…….Have fun!!!  It is all about the journey.  Happy holidays and best wishes to you from the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance!

GThis article was written by Camille Western. Camille practices Massage and Holistic Arts on the Monterey Bay Peninsula.  She is  a massage therapist, a Thai Yoga instructor, and a Health and Wellness Educator for the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance (MBHA).  For more information about the MBHA, or if you would like to print your health article on our blog site, contact us.