Tips For Keeping Stress Down During The Holidays

Don't Binge:

It's perfectly fine to indulge a little during the festivities. In fact, it's impossible not to give in when you're surrounded by deliciousness! But remember that to much of something good is a bad thing in the long run.

It's Okay To Have A Moment:

Families around the world have lost people right before, during, or right after the holidays. Take a moment to realize that those wonderful people are gone but remember all the great times that you had together and instead of being sad that their not around for the holidays anymore, show a smile for all the times you had together because truly that is what they would have wanted. They would have wanted to hear the laughs and seen the smile and don’t forget the little accidents that the little one had.

Have Mercy On Yourself: 

First, you are only one person and you can’t do everything in a day without running yourself crazy. Second, I understand that most of us moms think that we are SUPERMOM but over the holiday season it’s best to stop thinking that way and be nice to ourselves. Trying the do everything is only going to cause major stress and a million headaches.

Make Amends: 

There is no better time of the year to forgive and forget. Even if you don’t want to do this it will make you feel better about yourself and you’ll be better in the long run for it.

Make A Budget:

To anyone who has loved ones getting gifts is important to them. During holidays make a budget for what you can afford to spend not based on what everyone wants. If you have a budget of $ 200 for 5 people then you don’t spend $100 of that on one person just because they want a certain thing or certain brand of something. Family and friends will understand that you had to follow a budget and will like the things they get just because you still thought of them. Try dollar stores, goodwills, salvation army, garage or yard sale to buy things.  A lot of times you can find really good stuff that people will like at these places and you won’t have to stress about going over you budget. Another option is to DIY Christmas gifts if you have the time. ( Pintrest)

SEEK A FRESH PERSPECTIVE:

Change the way you do things. Find easier options for all the things that you need to do for the holiday season. (Pintrest) Look up ideas to make things easier for yourself.

DROP EXPENSIVE, HIGH-STRESS RITUALS:

If your spending extra money, time, and sanity to keep up with traditions then find a cheaper, time saving, and sanity keeping way to do those things or find a new tradition to start and drop the old one if it isn’t to sentimental.

FOCUS ON WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT:

If it helps you make a list of the most important things first and while you make this list ask your self how important it actually is. While making this list you may be surprised that somethings can be totally left out, done an easier way or just left for later. 

REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN:

Don't forget that the holiday is a time for family, friends and fun. If you can make decorating the house or cooking the holiday meal fun then do so. Having fun and laughing will help you keep the stress away.

HOLD ON TO DAILY  SCHEDULES/RITUALS:

If you always get up in the morning and start cleaning or planning or working out then stick to that. Don’t change what you already do just because its the holidays. If you change the way you usually do things it will leave you feeling like your missing something or you’ll just feel bad in the end. So do what you usually do first then start on the holiday stuff.

SCHEDULE A BREAK:

Take a ten minute break just to sit down and breathe. Meditate for ten minutes about things that make you smile and you’ll feel better afterwards.

DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY:

Take a little time away from all the holiday craziness. Take a drive to Starbucks and treat yourself to your favorite coffee, read a book, listen to your favorite music while taking a relaxing bath. Anything that will take your mind off the holiday stuff will help keep your stress down.

REQUEST GIFT WRAPPING:

Stores don't always publicize this service, so be sure to ask. There are some sites that will do gift wrapping and personal messages for a small fee such as Amazon.com. In using these services it helps you save time and keeps you from stressing about if you have time to get everything wrapped.

MAKE A GAME PLAN FOR THE MALL:

Ok, so have a plan for the mall that you can go by. My main plan for the mall is “ Don’t Go”. There is absolutely no reason for you to have to walk around the mall for hours looking for gifts. If you need gifts from the mall then go to the specific store website, buy it, and have it shipped to your house. On another note, if you can’t find what you need on the website then shop around on the internet for the same item and at the same time cheaper prices then you can still avoid going to the mall all together.

DON'T HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP:

Everyone needs help from time to time so on the holidays ask for help from family and friends to get ready for the big day.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TIME-SAVERS:

Order foods that are already made and if you want to make it look like you cooked it then just put it all in containers you have at home.

KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO:

First, don’t commit to anything that you aren’t positive you can handle. Second, say no to anything that will cause you unnecessary stress.

USE WHAT'S ON HAND:

Take the photos out of your everyday frames and replace them with leftover wrapping paper, gift bags, or printables. Put the frames back in their original places and you’ve got a nice centerpiece

USE THE 10-30 MINUTE RULES:

Sure, you want your home to look great for guests, but don't fall prey to holiday house fever. That’s when you try to make everything perfect instead use the 10-30 minute rule. Do not do anything that will take more than a half-hour to do. The goal is to make the house look nice, not like a museum.

Final Note: I hope this helps someone have a stress free or less stressful time during the holidays. Please try to make things easier on yourself this holiday season and don’t forget to have a little fun.