Reducing Holiday Stress
Let's face it, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is also the most hectic and stressful. With so many things to do, shopping, wrapping, baking, remembering to move the elf; and limited time to do them we soon feel overwhelmed. If you're one of those people feeling more frazzled than festive, taking the time to use a few time management strategies can reduce stress over the holidays; you'll feel as if you're in control, rather than feeling like you're being driven like one of Santa's reindeer.
Make a list.
If it works for Santa, it will work for you. Divide a page into two columns and write the things you MUST do (move the elf) on one side and the things you WANT to do (make the no-sew ruffle tree skirt on Pinterest) on the other. This will give you a healthy dose of perspective right off the bat.
Carefully choose holiday activities Many of us do what we do during the holiday season just because we always have, turning the entire month of December into a mad whirl of non-stop Christmas preparations and activities. Do you really need to spend hours writing and sending
Christmas cards or making hundreds of chocolate balls? If you enjoy these activities then by all means continue, but if you don't, free up some of that time for something more meaningful.
Start early
Get as much done as early as possible, this year and every year. By the time you read this you may be thinking it is too late but it is never too late! If you typically buy and wrap all gifts on Christmas Eve, December 23rd is still an improvement. Food for the holiday season can be bought in advance, and Christmas gifts can be bought any time of year. Stretching out your Christmas activities over a longer period of time can really help reduce stress.
Get help!
Who says you personally have to wrap all the Christmas gifts, do all the baking, and do all the holiday season decorating? This year, give yourself the gift of holiday stress relief by patronizing a local bakery, hiring a cleaning service to clean your home, or even having your holiday season party or festive dinner catered. Think about how much your time (and sanity) is worth, and contract out accordingly.
Hopefully a few small changes will have a big impact on your holiday season. Remember to take time for yourself. A $5 cup of coffee after a day of shopping can make all the difference in the world.
Wishing you a Neat holiday!
Jennifer Snyder
Neat as a Pin Organizing Experts
www.neatasapin.net
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About the Author
My
name is Jennifer Snyder CPO, Chief Executive Organizer of Neat as a Pin
Organizing Experts, a Waco-based company of Professional Organizers
that is not only focused on organizing the clutter in your home or
office but also clutter of the heart and mind.
I
am happy that you are taking an interest in the benefits of getting
your home and life organized. Living an organized life is for everyone!
