Don’t let the holidays stress you out!Thanksgiving is now behind us. Many of us are starting to feel the pressure of Christmas right around the corner. Whether you have kids or not, it easy to get stressed out. We start to think of the money and how time is getting away from us. This year make yourself a promise to take measures to handle it better. I have found many great practical ideas from many sources on handling stress better. Of course, we can’t do them all but choose several to implement this year.
- Pray – this one is not debatable.
- Budget yourself. Start making a rough budget early on of expected Christmas expenses. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
- Go to bed on time and get enough sleep. Too many late nights, including Christmas concerts, cooking and wrapping gifts will seriously deplete ability to handle multi-tasks. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
- Say NO to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule.
- Pace yourself and allow extra time to do things and get to places.
- Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
- Exercise – keeping up your regular routine can give you the fitness and stamina to make it through the demands of this time of year. Drink lots of water.
- Eat well and properly. It is easy to skip meals. Poor nutrition can lead to stress. Carbs such as bread, pasta and rice tend to boot levels of our brain’s natural upper. Go easy on the creamy sauces. Overeating can cause sluggishness.
- Plan and prioritize.
- Delegate tasks to capable others. Take one day at a time.
- Carry a Bible with you while waiting in line.
- Do your best not to let the comments of one person spoil your day.
- Forgive quickly – yourself if you fail and others who let you down (many are doing the best they can).
- Be kind to unkind people.
- Less is more.
- Have backups; extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the bushes.
- Laugh. Laugh some more.
- Love.
Never forget the reason for Christmas. A precious baby was born in a manger with the purpose of sacrificing his life for you and me.
Tips borrowed from: Avoid Stress Over the Holiday Season and Have More Fun, 36 Christian Ways to Reduce the Stress
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