How to Have a Stress Free Holiday

Once again, that time of year has come around again. Presents to buy, work to finish, cards to write, parties to attend. You go to sleep at night with the feeling you have forgotten something or you have so much else to do you are running out of time. You are probably suffering from holiday stress. Hold on though, there are some things you can do to have a stress free holiday.

Start a new tradition of shopping with friends and family. Make a day of it, eat lunch out and maybe even end the day going to a late afternoon or evening movie.

Consider shopping online. This can be a great way to save time, money and even get free gift wrapping without standing in long lines.

If you have a large family or extended family to shop for, money, time and emotional stress can be very high. You might consider talking to your family about starting a tradition of name drawing so everyone only has to buy one present. This alleviates having to search for presents for everyone.

Write down an inventory of you must-do things. When finished go over it and take out things you really do not have to do, things that really will not effect the Christmas experience.

Consider having a cleaning service come in once at the beginning of the holidays. This way you only have to do routine cleaning the rest of the holidays.

Make sure you are doing regular exercise. During high stress periods, this is very important. Exercise can increase energy, provide positive self-esteem and decrease depression.

Try to get some extra sleep. Do not eat dinner too late or eat anything heavy in the evening. Get ready for bed and relax with a good book or watch a little television. A good nights sleep can go a long way.

If holiday parties are the source of your holiday stress, you can try the following:

Before you go to a party think of some interesting events you came upon recently (movies, gatherings, books…) to be able to handle situations where small talk is required. Maybe even come up with some good jokes. Plan a strategy for handling those abrasive personalities that we all run into at holiday parties.

Consider joining up with a friend and stick together during a party. Make plans to drive to the event together, or meet up outside. Also plan on leaving together, a good friend can come in handy.

If you are single and this makes you uncomfortable at parties consider yourself normal. After all, we are social animals. Attend parties of people you are comfortable with. You should not have to feel the odd person out. Plan a holiday party yourself with other single people.

Holidays can be a joyous time. Stress does not have to play a large part of the holiday season. Take control and enjoy the good times to be had.