Yo Ho Ho – Christmas Stress – What’s that?
Yes, it is that time of year again when we dec our homes and workplace with bows of holly. It’s officially December, and it’s the season to be jolly. Yet despite the celebrations most people are suffering from Christmas stress…
Don’t get me wrong I enjoy Christmas. Yet whilst this can be an exciting month for many, it can also be incredibly overwhelming and stressful time too. Too often for many it is a time of financial worries. Buying gifts and festive food can really put a dent in the wallet. And long after the gifts have been given and unwrapped and food and drink consumed, you are left entering the New Year with the debt.
Then there is the stress of trying to find time to fit everything in. There is the pressure of having house guests. Planning and preparing meals. The organising of social events and trying to meet the family’s demands. All this on top of your usual everyday life. No wonder you can sometimes feel as though you have too much to juggle.
So here’s some useful ideas to help you keep calm and keep smiling throughout the festive season…
First of all, get organised and start writing to-do lists if you haven’t already done so! Then make sure you follow your lists throughout the whole month, ticking off each task as you complete it. Remember to include Christmas card writing and get the postage dates ready to send off on time. Check your stock of wrapping paper, cellotape and labels now so there is no last minute rush! By writing things down you will be helping to reduce your stress.
Don’t leave your Christmas gift shopping until Christmas Eve! We’ve all been there! Have no doubt, this approach will increase your stress levels. Have a cut-off point for gift buying – the earlier the better. Write out a budget of what you can afford to spend and STICK TO IT! Try not to borrow or use the credit card. Most people remember the times together over the festive season. If you ask your friends and loved ones what they got for Christmas last year, few will remember. Your presence is their present, so don’t waste time or stress about not being able to afford the gifts you would love to give. Spending time with your friends and family will always be much more appreciated and special than the gifts.
Be realistic! Aim for a happy Christmas not a perfect Christmas. Remember to laugh about things that go wrong, for be assured they will make great memories to look back on in the future. Happiness is a real stress buster. It not only helps you enter into the festivities it is also proven to uplift the moods of those around you. Furthermore, laughter and taking things lightly also helps you be more productive.
Remember others! Take the focus away from yourself. Christmas is all about forgiving and sharing. Research shows that the act of helping others improves your emotional wellbeing and happiness levels. Therefore, encourage the act of giving by donating to charity, giving for shoebox gifts and food banks. Be mindful of your neighbours and people you know who may be alone this Christmas. Visit and include them in some way over the festive period. Or if you are alone and at a loose end this year, why not get more involved with community projects such as the Salvation Army, Help the Aged, or your local hospital or hospice.
Finally, Christmas is not about spending, or buying elaborate gifts. Remember it is the thought that counts!
Manage Christmas Stress
If you find yourself still struggling with stress – then you might find my hypnosis recording ‘Manage Christmas Stress’ helpful. It is available as a CD or as a download. Click here or on the image on the right for full details.
Wishing you a happy, peaceful and memorable Christmas,
