“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” Or is it? For many people, the mere anticipation of Christmas – and the entire period that follows – causes their blood pressure to elevate and have their stress and exhaustion levels go through the roof.
But it’s no wonder that the festive feeling gets lost amid the buying and wrapping of presents, the cooking of a lot of food and the worrying that all relatives are happy at the family dinner. Not surprising at all is the fact that 40 percent of us feel stressed during the holidays, according to studies.
However, Christmas can be still saved and you can enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few tips on how to keep your stress levels to a minimum on winter holidays while you spend those precious free days with your dear ones.
Be organized
Delegate if you feel you have too many tasks on your plate. Rather than being a slave for many hours, try to reclaim some me-time, doing the things you like. Pleasing everyone all the time is impossible, so you can stop trying this year.
Work with a budget
There’s a certain relief when you set limits when it comes to money you spend this season. Work out a plan of costs and don’t allow yourself to cross the maximum thresholds. Overspending on gifts and food is especially easy – stick to what you know you can afford and make sure you get the best deals.
Know there are things you can’t change
Don’t let people’s irritable behavior to get in the way of your enjoying Christmas and the laid-back days that follow. You don’t really have control over your uncle’s love of alcohol – unless you keep all the booze away at all times – so why let that get you stressed in the long run?
Plan with a timetable
Christmas day – or New Year’s Eve, for that matter – can be the worst if you don’t have at least some rough timings of what’s going to happen throughout the day. Therefore, make sure the whole family knows and agrees on what’s being done when.
Have fun
Don’t forget that Christmas is only a few days away, so try to have fun, relax, laugh and be merry. If all else fails and your plans go down the drain, don’t worry too much about it. You can choose to laugh instead.
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