The clock has already started ticking for the Holiday countdown. It's the time of the year to feel most stressed about gifts, entertainment, guest, parties and decorations. To cut the stress out of our lives, I have come up with a few strategies that has helped me through these years to stay calm and focussed.
1. The first rule of holiday shopping is shop early and don't wait for the last minute sales and discounts. Even if you are not an early shopper, you can get good deals even in mid December, when we start approaching the 12 days of Christmas. Many good deals can be found even on the internet and the big fuss of hopping store to store trying to find a deal can be totally avoided. But be sure to check for the stores policy on returns and shipping charges. This year I was lucky enough to find deals on Amazon where many online shops where offering great deals and discounts on books.
2. Don't keep unrealistic goals like cooking, trying the best recipes, buying gifts for everyone, decorating every room in the house all at one time. Decide what is REALLY important for you and put it on a list. Only do things that you are sure to accomplish. Don't over-estimate yourself, by doing that you only put yourself down if you happen to miss on a few things.
3. Try to exercise and stay fit during the Holidays, this also helps to de-stress and would make you feel better off not gaining the extra pounds during the holidays. Hit the gym or if you are not a gym person, go for walks or stretch doing Yoga or Pilate with your friend.
4. Drink at least 5 to 6 glasses of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration and in winter, YES we do get dehydrated in winter due to cold, dry weather. Getting dehydrated zaps your energy and makes it difficult to concentrate. You can also drink herbal teas and fruit juice to stay hydrated. This time of year, many of us end up drinking more alcohol than usual and we tend to end up gaining weight. If you drink alcohol, try having a glass of water between each drink to keep you sober and hydrated.
5. Get enough sleep, do everything you can to create a bedtime ritual that helps you unwind and relax. Take a hot bath add a few drops of lavender to the water, read something soothing or have a chamomile tea.
6. Ask for help if you need help shopping or taking care of your kids. Don't try to do it all on your own especially when you feel burned out . Asking for help is not a sign of weakness it actually is a very smart decision.
7. Last but not least ACCEPT the fact that you can't please everyone as there is something that will always be lacking.
