Enjoy The Holidays

As I sit here passing out Halloween candy, I have caught myself thinking about the other holidays that are fast approaching. The wonderful big meal my family prepares at Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday Christmas, and the fact that I will have the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends.

Thanksgiving, if you are not the organizer of the family/friend gathering, the chef, or traveling, is more or less stress free. However if you are performing one of these tasks, Thanksgiving can be quite stressful. Then comes the December holidays. With Christmas comes the stresses of planning, cooking, traveling, different holiday parties, decorating, gifts and a hundred other little things.

However, remember when the holidays were nothing but joy, family, celebration and love? Holidays can be that again, the thing to remember is to manage your stress so that you can enjoy yourself. Here are some helpful tips to help you with holiday stress:

1. Be sure to take care of your health. While the holidays are filled with great food, limit your portions instead of stuffing yourself, make sure to limit your "junk" food intake, and get plenty of sleep.
2. Utilize exercise, meditation and relaxation techniques. Whether you take a walk around the block, hit the gym, utilize Yoga or Tai Chi, or implement deep breathing or guided imagery.
3. There are two different types if time management skill that are important. First, be sure to coordinate with each family members' schedule of holiday events. Also set a schedule to assist you in accomplishing whatever tasks you need to do. Second, take time for yourself. Sometimes there can be TOO much togetherness with family and friends. On the flip side, do not isolate yourself, be sure to engage with your family and friends. The key is to find a healthy balance.
4. Finally, understand that it is okay to say "no." For example, if you do not have the time to bake cup cakes for your child's class, say so. Or compromise and buy already-made ones from the store. One of the fastest ways to increase your stress level is to take on responsibilities that you cannot handle.

Hopefully you will find these tips helpful this holiday season, and be able to enjoy yourself to the fullest. Let the holiday seasons begin!