Ahhhh... Christmas time! My favorite time of year. It brings images of sugar plums and presents and family getting together... wait... Ok, that's what I'd like to imagine Christmas makes me think of. But the older I get the more it stresses me out! Now, I think more about the empty bank account and how I'm going to accomplish all that needs to get done.
So, I started thinking about some Holiday stress reducers and wanted to pass them along to you! I hope you can benefit from some of the tips, but I would also LOVE to hear how you get through the Holidays without ending up in a looney bin on the other side.
1. Paper Plates.
Ok, so I know this isn't green and loving on the earth and all, and that lowers it's coolnesss factor, but really, sometimes your sanity is just more important. I'm not suggesting you do it all year round and I'm not even suggesting you use paper plates every night, but every once in a while around the Holidays is going to take one more load of dishes off your plate... no pun intended...
2. Gift Bags.
No big revolutionary idea here. Most people are bagging it as of late, but if you are still wrapping, I highly suggest you reduce your hours of laboring by throwing everything in to cute gift bags with a wad of tissue. It might not be as beautiful, and it might blend in with all of the other bags under the tree, but hey, at least you can get back to all of that Holiday baking with time to give your kids an extra hug.
3. Smile.
For those of you that don't know, I worked in retail pre-kids. I loved Christmas time because retailers really do it up at Christmas, especially where I worked. But let me tell you, it is also a well known fact that the Scrooges make their way out at Christmas time. I don't know if there is a whole group of people that only come out at Christmas time, or if everyone is just that much grumpier, but people are much more rude around the Holidays than the rest of the year. Take the time to smile at everyone, sales clerks, other shoppers, your family... It will make a difference in their day and yours.
4. Send E-cards.
I heard on the radio the other day that there will be 114 million less greeting cards sent this year. Jump on the bandwagon, save yourself the stress of licking and writing and stamping and send an e-card to your friends and family with a cute picture and narrative. I know it's less personal than the form letter you ususally send, but I'm sure people will understand. Maybe throw a little card in the mail for Grandma, but other than that, set yourself free!! Plus, it makes up for all of the paper plates you've been using...
5. Be grateful.
Studies are showing more and more that mental stress actually affects you physically. It puts toxins in your body that mess up how your body works. Thinking about all of the things you are thankful for is a great way to slow down the release of toxins in to your body. I'll tell you, this year was super tough for us. Rolling into it with three layoffs and then 6 months of unemployment, we definitely had our share of stress. But I always try to remember that I have two beautiful children, a roof over our heads and enough food in the fridge, a lot more than most people in this world. It has helped me maintain my sanity during these stressful times. And lack is only magnified during the Holidays, which makes me so much more grateful for what I do have.
6. Hug your family and friends.
Yup, loving physical touch also reduces stress, so just do it ok?
I hope one of these little nuggets can be worked in to your life and help you have a more enjoyable Christmas season. And please feel free to let me know what you do to reduce stress during the Holidays!
So, I started thinking about some Holiday stress reducers and wanted to pass them along to you! I hope you can benefit from some of the tips, but I would also LOVE to hear how you get through the Holidays without ending up in a looney bin on the other side.
1. Paper Plates.
Ok, so I know this isn't green and loving on the earth and all, and that lowers it's coolnesss factor, but really, sometimes your sanity is just more important. I'm not suggesting you do it all year round and I'm not even suggesting you use paper plates every night, but every once in a while around the Holidays is going to take one more load of dishes off your plate... no pun intended...
2. Gift Bags.
No big revolutionary idea here. Most people are bagging it as of late, but if you are still wrapping, I highly suggest you reduce your hours of laboring by throwing everything in to cute gift bags with a wad of tissue. It might not be as beautiful, and it might blend in with all of the other bags under the tree, but hey, at least you can get back to all of that Holiday baking with time to give your kids an extra hug.
3. Smile.
For those of you that don't know, I worked in retail pre-kids. I loved Christmas time because retailers really do it up at Christmas, especially where I worked. But let me tell you, it is also a well known fact that the Scrooges make their way out at Christmas time. I don't know if there is a whole group of people that only come out at Christmas time, or if everyone is just that much grumpier, but people are much more rude around the Holidays than the rest of the year. Take the time to smile at everyone, sales clerks, other shoppers, your family... It will make a difference in their day and yours.
4. Send E-cards.
I heard on the radio the other day that there will be 114 million less greeting cards sent this year. Jump on the bandwagon, save yourself the stress of licking and writing and stamping and send an e-card to your friends and family with a cute picture and narrative. I know it's less personal than the form letter you ususally send, but I'm sure people will understand. Maybe throw a little card in the mail for Grandma, but other than that, set yourself free!! Plus, it makes up for all of the paper plates you've been using...
5. Be grateful.
Studies are showing more and more that mental stress actually affects you physically. It puts toxins in your body that mess up how your body works. Thinking about all of the things you are thankful for is a great way to slow down the release of toxins in to your body. I'll tell you, this year was super tough for us. Rolling into it with three layoffs and then 6 months of unemployment, we definitely had our share of stress. But I always try to remember that I have two beautiful children, a roof over our heads and enough food in the fridge, a lot more than most people in this world. It has helped me maintain my sanity during these stressful times. And lack is only magnified during the Holidays, which makes me so much more grateful for what I do have.
6. Hug your family and friends.
Yup, loving physical touch also reduces stress, so just do it ok?
I hope one of these little nuggets can be worked in to your life and help you have a more enjoyable Christmas season. And please feel free to let me know what you do to reduce stress during the Holidays!
