The Top 10 Expert Stress Reducing Tips For Holiday Stress
- By Tim O'Brien
- Published 12/28/2009
- Self Help
- Unrated
Tim O'Brien
Tim O'Brien, M.S./CHPT, is a Fellow with The American Institute of Stress and a life member of International Society for Performance Improvement. As a past columnist with the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, he published more than 350 articles. Please visit http://www.hyperstress.com
View all articles by Tim O'Brien
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the holidays, here are 10 expert stress reducing tips for your holiday stress.
1) Hide, it works nearly every time. If you need a little break, admit it and seek refuge. Go to a private place and take a few long deep breaths and sing your favorite Holiday tune to regroup.
2) Rehearse the worst, and then if it happens, you've made preparations. And since the worst seldom happens, you can make a game out of what does.
3) Get organized early. List all your holiday chores: cards if you send them, decorating the house, gifts, special cooking, wrapping, and mailing. Just listing everything you have to do, will help you feel less harried. Set a schedule and do a little every day. Check items off your list as you complete them. This will show your progress. Address a card or two per day. Wrap while you watch a favorite TV show. Remember, procrastination is the real "Grinch that stole Christmas."
4) Reinstate the draft; get everyone in the house to help. Share the fun and share the duties. Children can help too, just confine them to one room so if they make a mess, you only have one room to redecorate in the Spring.
5) Use modern innovations to make your traditions easier. Say you have 5 dozen cookies to send in with Johnny or Mary for the school party. Throw away the "from scratch" recipe. Buy a tube of ready mix, cook them 2 minutes less than they say (it makes them chewy). Put some sprinkles on the cookies and swear the children to secrecy. This creates little mess and is fast.
6) Moderation and "this too will pass." No matter what we think to the contrary, there will only be
31 days in December this year. If events get rough, start the count down. Look forward to something in January, like December being over. Use moderation in eating, drinking and spending. You don't want a head, belt or debt hangover.
7) Empathy works when you think the world is out to get you. Look around. There are undoubtedly others who are worse off. If you see someone struggling, help if appropriate. Focus on what you do have, "count your blessings." Remember, love is free to share. And, it comes in unlimited supply to those who use it.
8) Q.T.I.P.: The next time you're in a holiday traffic jam, or stuck in a slow check out line; remember Q.T.I.P., and Quit Taking It Personally. The check out line isn't there to drive you crazy. The stop light is not a part of a plan to ruin your day. Don't get upset about what is beyond your control.
9) Contrarian shoppers start early and end early. Take an early lunch and shop on off days at the mall. Use online stores or mail order if the price is right. Have a detailed list of gifts with alternates if your first choice isn't available. Consider shopping year round for the holidays. Often, summer sales mean better gifts next year.
10) The Chemistry of Joy will see you through. There is an actual chemistry of joy and happiness that occurs within us. It is a chemical reaction caused by signals our brain gives to our autonomic nervous system. A positive, happy outlook triggers immune strengthening responses in our body. Laugh, enjoy humor, sing, and think about the joy you give to others and that they give you.
So next time you are feeling overwhelmed by the holidays remember these 10 expert stress reducing tips for your holiday stress.
Happy Holidays everyone, and have a happy, healthier year of your dreams.
1) Hide, it works nearly every time. If you need a little break, admit it and seek refuge. Go to a private place and take a few long deep breaths and sing your favorite Holiday tune to regroup.
2) Rehearse the worst, and then if it happens, you've made preparations. And since the worst seldom happens, you can make a game out of what does.
3) Get organized early. List all your holiday chores: cards if you send them, decorating the house, gifts, special cooking, wrapping, and mailing. Just listing everything you have to do, will help you feel less harried. Set a schedule and do a little every day. Check items off your list as you complete them. This will show your progress. Address a card or two per day. Wrap while you watch a favorite TV show. Remember, procrastination is the real "Grinch that stole Christmas."
4) Reinstate the draft; get everyone in the house to help. Share the fun and share the duties. Children can help too, just confine them to one room so if they make a mess, you only have one room to redecorate in the Spring.
5) Use modern innovations to make your traditions easier. Say you have 5 dozen cookies to send in with Johnny or Mary for the school party. Throw away the "from scratch" recipe. Buy a tube of ready mix, cook them 2 minutes less than they say (it makes them chewy). Put some sprinkles on the cookies and swear the children to secrecy. This creates little mess and is fast.
6) Moderation and "this too will pass." No matter what we think to the contrary, there will only be
7) Empathy works when you think the world is out to get you. Look around. There are undoubtedly others who are worse off. If you see someone struggling, help if appropriate. Focus on what you do have, "count your blessings." Remember, love is free to share. And, it comes in unlimited supply to those who use it.
8) Q.T.I.P.: The next time you're in a holiday traffic jam, or stuck in a slow check out line; remember Q.T.I.P., and Quit Taking It Personally. The check out line isn't there to drive you crazy. The stop light is not a part of a plan to ruin your day. Don't get upset about what is beyond your control.
9) Contrarian shoppers start early and end early. Take an early lunch and shop on off days at the mall. Use online stores or mail order if the price is right. Have a detailed list of gifts with alternates if your first choice isn't available. Consider shopping year round for the holidays. Often, summer sales mean better gifts next year.
10) The Chemistry of Joy will see you through. There is an actual chemistry of joy and happiness that occurs within us. It is a chemical reaction caused by signals our brain gives to our autonomic nervous system. A positive, happy outlook triggers immune strengthening responses in our body. Laugh, enjoy humor, sing, and think about the joy you give to others and that they give you.
So next time you are feeling overwhelmed by the holidays remember these 10 expert stress reducing tips for your holiday stress.
Happy Holidays everyone, and have a happy, healthier year of your dreams.