The holiday season almost upon us, it can also be a time when our stress levels can be really put to the test. Sometimes there’s a perfectly legitimate reason for holiday stress like empty bank accounts, parties, shopping, cooking, cleaning, entertaining or travelling interstate or overseas to see our love ones.
With some practical tips, you can minimise the stress that accompanies the holiday season. You may even find that you end up enjoying the holidays more than you though you would.
When stress is at its peak, it can be hard to stop and regroup. Below are some tips for how to mentally prepare for the holidays:
- Be Realistic. Don’t feel like you need to create an amazing over the top style holiday or a four-course meal, like they do on the cooking shows. Work on what fits in with your budget and improvise. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose some to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. Remember it’s the thought that counts.
- Planning ahead. Look at setting aside specific days for shopping, cooking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan you menus and then make your shopping list. That will help prevent last minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients.
- Stick to a budget. Before you go shopping for gifts or food, decide how much money you can afford to spend, and then stick to your budget. Try giving homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange or Kris Kringle (and look at buying for one person).
Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.
Defying Shadows 