Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry, but it’s also a time when social calendars are fit to burst, family commitments come to the fore, and you end up burning the candle at both ends trying to tidy things up at work before another year bites the dust.
If the pre-holiday period tends to send your stress levels higher than Rudolf on his annual flight, take a moment, breathe deeply and check out these top tips for busting festive season worries.
Stick to a budget
Nothing speeds up the stress express like worrying about a credit card bill that will haunt you well into the New Year.
When you’re hitting the shops, try to remember that it really is the thought that counts. Have a plan in mind when you go shopping, because the longer you’re in a store, the more you’re likely to spend.
Having a ‘secret Santa’ system for adult family members, where everyone pulls a name out of a hat and buys one gift for one person, is a good way to keep costs down. Set an agreed price limit for gifts and stick to it.
When it comes to grocery shopping, try buying non-perishable items in advance. This will help to spread the cost, and will cut down your time at the supermarket during the pre-Christmas busy period.
Reflect positively on the year
Often we’re so busy setting goals and taking steps to achieve them, we don’t even get the chance to acknowledge how far we’ve come, says Auckland-based life coach Tracy Manu.
“Pat yourself on the back for all you’ve achieved this year, before going on to think about what you want 2017 to be like.”
Make time to relax
At this hectic time of year, it’s really important to cut yourself some slack, otherwise you’ll be too exhausted to enjoy the celebrations, says Manu.
“Sit down, put your phone away, enjoy a cup of tea, just take a bit of time for yourself. Fill your tank first, instead of always giving to others.”
Don’t give up on exercise
Despite your busy schedule, try to stick to your workout plans – your body (and mind) will love you for it. Block out time in your diary for exercise and plan other activities around it, just as you would for any other appointment.
Take advantage of the long summer days and fit in some extra activity by heading out for a walk or for an impromptu visit to the beach in the evening. And if you’re pondering a pre-Christmas diet or new exercise routine, shelve those plans for now. The festive season is the worst time to take up something ambitious and will only add to your stress when you’re already busy enough.
Don’t be scared to say ‘no’
As hard as it can be to decline an invitation, saying yes to everything from the neighbour’s pre-Christmas eggnog party to the end-of-year fundraiser at your niece’s primary school can leave you exhausted.
“We all need to learn to say no, push back, and let things go,” says time management expert, Robyn Pearce.
“If you’re stressed, think along the lines of ‘Is that the best use of my time right now?’ and ‘Does it feel good?’ when pruning away the things that aren’t as important.”
Discover more Christmas stress-busters in the December issue of Good Health Choices
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