During these already very stressful economic times it is even more important for your health, sanity and finances that you keep all aspects of this holiday season as simple and stress free as possible. With the added hustle and bustle it is very easy for the holiday stress to become overwhelming very quickly. The best way to keep the added stress in check is to recognize up front that you have to make necessary adjustments this year.
Below is a list of suggested adjustments that will help reduce your holiday stress:
Make a plan and stick to it. A little pre-planning can go a long way. Every good general has a specific plan of attack going into battle. Start with the big picture then break it down into each event including social gatherings, time with family and friends, shopping, cooking, gift wrapping, etc.
Create a list for each event during the entire holiday season then make sure that as you accomplish each task on each list check it off. You will be amazed at how much stress relief and pleasure you will get out of the simple task of checking each item off and knowing your list is complete prior to each specific event.
During the planning process don't forget to plan in the time element. Timing is everything! If you give yourself the time to get each task and list accomplished then you will be able to enjoy yourself rather than hurrying, fretting and stressing about unaccomplished tasks.
Once you have created your list for each event review the big picture again, set priorities and eliminate those things that aren't absolutely necessary, cause extra financial burden, take too much of your time and/or interfere with the things you enjoy the most.
Make a budget along with your plan. The hard part is forcing yourself to stick to the budget. You have to realize that overspending causes not only holiday stress but has an adverse affect on your finances while you are trying to pay off the holiday debt. Plan how much you are going to spend during the overall season (the big picture) then break it down for each event and force yourself not to impulse buy.
Recognize that just because you have done something specific during every holiday season in the past you do not have to do it again this year. Everyone understands these are challenging and stressful times. Even if you have not been major adversely affected by the economy, you still need to take the opportunity to make this holiday season more simple and less stressful.
You can say "NO". You are now officially empowered to say "NO". NO to impulse buying (stick to the budget/plan/list), NO to taking on extra tasks (review your priorities), NO to that extra party (again review your priorities), NO to overeating, NO to spending over your budget, NO to eliminating time just for you!
Bottom line - it is up to you to make the adjustments, simplify, prioritize and make time for you to relax and enjoy the season in order to keep the added holiday stress down to a minimum. You can also use the all natural stress relief techniques and products (aromatherapy soy wax candles, relaxation music, stress relief exercises, herbal teas and aromatherapy products) found at www.ultimatestressrelievers.com [http://www.ultimatestressrelievers.com] to help you relieve stress. Ultimate Stress Relievers has added a line of Holiday Soy Wax Candles and Holiday Music to add to your holiday relaxation and enjoyment.
Jan McGarry has 25 years of business experience, most recently as a Director of Human Resources, for several large corporations. She is now the owner and operator of Ultimate Stress Relievers. Ultimate Stress Relievers offers all natural stress relief products and stress relief techniques. Additional information may be obtained at [http://www.ultimatestressrelievers.com] or call 877-707-3773.
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