How to
create memories not madness
“May your walls know
joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great
possibility.â€~ Mary Anne
Radmacher
The festive season is fast approaching
and for many people stress, depression and anxiety can make this season
anything but merry. You probably know what you have to do between now
and December 31 ~ or at least you have an idea. Do you, like me, have
notes scribbled on parking tickets, stickies and other scraps of
paper?
Setting ambitious goals and achieving them is a good thing
– as long as they represent what you truly want. This month is a perfect
time to explore what you love, what you don’t, and what makes a holiday
a time of joy and peace.
Follow these 6 stress reduction tips for
avoiding burnout during the holidays:
1. Write it down: On a
sheet of plain paper, create two columns. In the left column, write down
the things on your ‘to do’ list for this month. In the right, describe
the hoped for outcome. Then take an objective yet personal look at the
list: do you want to change the amount of effort you put into some of
the tasks? Do you want to cross off certain chores altogether? This
exercise is a wonderful way to lighten your load from the very
beginning
2. Lower your expectations: The holidays can be
exciting! Being with loved ones, holiday decorations, lights, presents
and much feasting! As the season approaches, expectations increase. Try
not to place high expectations on how events will unfold. Always expect
the unexpected. Remember people may react unpredictably and
surprisingly. Avoiding high expectations leads to a more calm and
peaceful state. Choosing to release attachment from outcome will not
only reduce stress but cultivate balance and spaciousness throughout the
holidays
3. Plan ahead: Once you have made your list from tip #1,
make a detailed plan for all of the things you need to do. Be thorough
and try to do as much in advance as possible. The more you can get done
before the holidays, the less stressful the season will be. Include
shopping, decorations, wrapping, meal preparation, sending cards,
visiting family, and a schedule for the celebration days. Becoming
organized will help you to get more done and feel less stressed. Make
checklists so you can mark progress as you go. Another great tip is to
have a backup plan in case things go awry.
4. Delegate: Happy
holidays may take much work. The festive dinner alone can be difficult
work for the cook! Too much work leads to stress and burnout so make
sure everyone shares the workload. It’s true – many hands make light
work – and they also reduce stress in doing so. Involve everyone in the
household!
5. Family: As much as the holidays are about spending
time with family, having ‘family’ visit can be highly stressful. Not all
families get along, and stress levels can soar at get-togethers. If you
have family members who are unappreciative, argumentative, aggressive,
sulky – the kind of people who will spoil the day – then say “no!” and
don’t invite them. The holidays are about joy and happiness. Your only
duty is to your immediate family – your spouse, partner, and your
children – not to any other family members. If you know there are going
to be fireworks, make everyone’s day memorable by inviting
wisely.
6. Set your budget and stick to it. It’s really tempting
to spend money during the holidays and many people create huge debts
doing so. The debt then becomes a major stress factor after the holidays
have ended. You don’t need to buy people expensive gifts and you don’t
need to go into debt to impress people. The internet is a fantastic
source for finding creative and imaginative gift that show
thoughtfulness. Debt is to stress what pizzas are to waistlines and you
can pay a heavy price for impressing people. Stick to your budget and
you will reduce stress, not just over the holidays but for many months
after.
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