Stress-Free Festive Season
3 Simple Keys To Maximize Your Holiday-Enjoyment
 

What is most challenging for you in the time leading up to the year-end festivities? Is it shopping, or social obligations, or preparing large meals, or maybe just too much to do and so little time to do it? Well, I'm here to dish out a few bits of advice that may seem a bit odd at first, but please bear with me.

Any tension you feel is an accumulation of experiences built up over the past year. The last-minute preparations are the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. Understand that all events and experiences, whether good or bad, add to this conglomeration of tension. They will dissipate with time; however, you can accelerate the process with these few simple hints.

1. Use creative procrastination. Look, you know, and I know that we can't accomplish everything on our plate. Get proactive, and prioritize your "to do" list. If you don't have a list , then get one and fast. Your "A" list includes the "show-stoppers." These must be done, no matter what. Your "B" list contains items that, if not completed, will harm your reputation or relationships. Important, but not critical. Finally "C" - your "nice to do" list. If others pressure you into accepting tasks and projects, learn to say, "NO." Once your list is divided into A, B, and C, then trash the "C" list and begin to identify the time required to do each item remaining. Then set target dates. Also, consider delegating some of your tasks.

2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD) touches all of us. Many of us experience some degree of the blues in winter time. Did you know that exposing your skin to just twenty minutes of sunlight a day will raise your mood? This short exposure to sunlight, not necessarily sunshine, will help produce vitamin D and keep the blues at bay. Consider buying a few "full-spectrum" lights to replace a few bulbs where you spend a lot of time. At $20 per bulb, they are less expensive than a trip to a sunny vacation spot!

3. Did you know that dehydration is the major cause of fatigue? When you're fatigued, your mood, your interpersonal relationships, your decision making, and even your cognitive ability are affected. I suggest you keep a bottle of water with you always. Also, if you take a drive of over an hour, keep sipping water, especially if you're the one driving.

Lastly, I want to point out that stress does not come from the event, but your perception of that event. The more control you think you have over a situation, the less your stress will be. Some things are beyond your control, so just let them go. Be concerned, but don't get in a panic over them. Deal with the things over which you have some influence. With just a few tweaks, you can enjoy a happier festive season, with less stress.