5 Ways to Prevent Stress During the Holidays
December 13, 2007 by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
I know we’re supposed to read another article from Stanley Popovich today, but it looks like I won’t be able to post his next article, “A Review of Techniques in Managing Your Depression,” until tomorrow.
Why?
Because it’s that time again – theme day here at b5media’s Science & Health Channel. That means you get to read “5 Ways to Prevent Stress During the Holidays” – by yours truly!
- Plan ahead. Planning ahead includes beginning your holiday cooking a day or two in advance, completing your shopping before December 24, not waiting until guests arrive to wrap presents…you get the idea.
- Switch things up. While we’re on the topic of holiday shopping – while change can sometimes cause stress, rather than prevent stress, making changes in your shopping routine may help. If your holiday celebrations involve gift-giving, you can avoid stressful crowds by shopping online, and avoid money troubles by opting for something similar to a ‘Secret Santa’ Christmas.
- Delegate, delegate, delegate!. Many of us – women, especially (sorry ladies, but it’s true) – tend to take on all responsibilities. This leads to an overload of stress – especially when things don’t work out exactly as planned. To avoid this stress, think about all your family members, loved ones, and friends. Then, think about all of their special talents. Walking the dog, wrapping gifts, setting tables, entertaining Aunt Marge – go crazy. Finally, start delegating. Remember, the holidays are a family effort, and not your entire responsibility.
- Take a few days off work. You may want to take a few days off work before the holidays in order to prepare (including preparing mentally), and/or a few days off work after the holidays to wind down and regroup.
- Take notes. Finally, make mental notes (and I suggest later transferring them to paper!) of what works and what doesn’t. These notes will help you be even more prepared and help you further prevent stress next year!
Do you have any additional ways to prevent stress during the holidays? Share ‘em!
Excellent ideas, Alicia.
I have this to add:
Just say NO! Who says your house has to be the most decorated, your tree the biggest, your presents the most numerous? Simplify, simplify, simplify.
kk
Kristen, that is so true! At our NAMI meeting for December, one of the ladies told me that she’d opted to only use one decoration and play Christmas music in her home – she said she’d never been less stressed! Thanks for the add
very nice site
Thanks