Sunday, December 23, 2012

Holiday De-Stress - It's not too late!

      In the movie Christmas With The Kranks, Luther Krank's college-age

daughter decides she won't be home for Christmas. Luther opts to skip

the holiday stress and take his wife on a trip. Lots of people

secretly wish they could do the same thing. Many yearn to skip the

decorating, shopping, baking, relatives, wrapping, endless parties,

seasonal good cheer and bills and get back to basics. Whether you

celebrate Christmas at full speed or not at all, holiday stress

abounds. Holiday stress is nonsectarian. If you can't run away to the

Bahamas, here are ways to manage holiday stress.

1.Lower expectations. Have a realistic view of what is important.

Your kids want your time. They are not going to remember the Martha

Stewart decorations - unless you involve them in the making of the

decorations.

2. Don't over schedule yourself or your family. Pick and choose

holiday functions.

3.Take care of yourself. You can't give what you don't have. Eat

healthfully. Avoid sugar as much as possible. Drink lots of water.

Maintain your exercise routine. Start an exercise routine. Exercise is

the best investment of your time.

4.Get plenty of sleep. Most people suffer from sleep deprivation as

it is. Nothing is worth your getting sick.

5.Ask for help. Involve your kids, spouse, family and friends.

6.Ask yourself, "If I only had half the time, what would I do?" This

will help you prioritize.

7.Pick names for gifts instead of buying a gift for everyone. This

will save you money and time.

8. Shop online or from catalogues. You've still got time.

9.Buy stamps online. Why stand in line at the post office? The USPS

I'm not sure about other postal services) will pick up your packages.

10.Make gifts with your kids. They'll love the time spent together

and they'll be proud of their creations.

11. Read holiday stories to your children. This allows you to sit

down, relax and connect.

12.Start new holiday traditions that are less stressful for you but

just as meaningful.

13.Ask yourself why you're really working this hard on the holidays.

Many times our egos get in the way, or we're in competition with a

friend or family member. Martyrdom has lots of payoffs. Give it up!

14.Take a minute in the tub, or waiting in line to write down all

your stressors. Include your everyday stressors as well as holiday

stressors. Which ones can you face head on, take care of and get off

your list? For instance, if paying bills is hanging over your head,

sit down and get that done. Get the snow tires on instead of praying

it doesn't snow. If money's short, spend less, cut up credit cards or

call a financial advisor.

15.Look at your list of stressors and determine which ones you have

no control over. Your parents are aging. The economy is like sludge.

If you live in Minnesota, it will snow.

16.Do a mental makeover. Reframe what the holidays are all about for

you. Is this a religious holiday? Then forget the fluff and focus on

the real meaning. If your kids are pressuring you to buy, buy, buy,

this is a wonderful opportunity to help them learn the value of giving

to others. Have them go through their toys and pick some to take to a

homeless shelter.

17.Remember how you felt on December 26 or January 2 last go 'round.

What did you say you'd never do again? What did your kids enjoy most?

How would you like to feel this year after the holidays? How can you

achieve this?

18.Don't get caught up in the hype. Just because the media, family,

friends, etc. say you should be doing something doesn't mean you have

to.

19.When a "should" runs through your mind, confront it and check it

out before acting.

20.Embrace your imperfection. It's one of the nicest things you can

do for your kids and your mate. Being imperfect takes the pressure off

of you and off of them.

21.Limit your TV watching - especially the news.

22.Don't do anything in December you're going to regret in January.

Why be stuck with huge bills and 10 extra pounds?

With the horrific news of the shootings in Connecticut, remember what

is really important. It's your time, your health, your hugs and

kisses. Hold everyone close.

One last de-stresser: the holidays will pass and you'll survive. You

always do. Happy holidays to you and yours.