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All Tied Up
Unwrapping a Stress-free Holiday Season
By Donna Smith
Susman offers more tips on reducing holiday stress:
- Anticipate delays, snags and disappointments.
- Realize that holiday stress doesn't replace everyday stress. It just piles on top of your everyday stress. So what problems you're dealing with are going to be exasperated by holiday stressors.
- Keep your sense of humor. Pretend you're a Martian watching you go at your frenetic pace. What would that Martian conclude? Take time to laugh.
- Ask for help. Involve your kids, spouse, family and friends.
- Ask yourself, "If I only had half the time, what would I do?" This will help you prioritize.
- Pick names for gifts instead of buying a gift for everyone. This will save you money and time.
- Shop online or from catalogues.
- Buy stamps online. Why stand in line at the post office?
- Get your husband involved. Ask him – and your kids – to sign up for different tasks.
- Ask yourself why you're really working this hard on the holidays. Many times our ego gets in the way, or we're in competition with a friend or family member. Martyrdom has lots of payoffs. Give it up!
Escaping Stress
While many of us want to jump into a hot bath full of bubbles and soak the stress away, Rocks says she is a big believer in prevention. "Rather than finding ways to de-stress, I try to avoid it all together," she says. "I believe it is all in the planning. If you think you need five rolls of wrapping paper, buy seven. Keep lots of supplies, including last-minute gifts on hand. Nothing is more stressful than waiting in long lines for something you've purchased once already, but simply didn't buy enough."Want to see more?
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