As the year winds down, stress levels increase. Students are anxious over upcoming finals. Deadlines for yearly evaluations and projects at work approach rapidly. Not to mention, your spare times is consumed by Christmas shopping and holiday parties.
I am guilty of getting a bit too stressed during the holiday season. I try to maintain my healthy habits (balanced meals, exercise, adequate sleep) to manage the added stress of the season. Also, making priority lists help me tremendously. Whenever I’m overwhelmed with everything “I have to do”, things seems much more manageable after writing it down. And, I love the feeling of crossing something off my “To Do” list!
Remember, stress is in the eye of the beholder… do you view “stressful” situations as a threat or as an opportunity? For example, Christmas shopping can become extremely stressful… finding time to shop, budgeting for presents, masses of people in the stores. Instead of focusing on the negative side of Christmas shopping, I try to view it as an opportunity to find a creative gift that the gift recipient will love. It’s the joy and excitement of my loved ones when they open their presents that make my hard work (scouring the internet for ideas, waiting in lines) worthwhile. Redefine your “stressful” situation!
What are you doing to manage stress during the holiday season?
Kasey
“Happiness depends more on inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”– Benjamin Franklin
You are so right, it all depends on how you look at it! You can label something as “fun” or “exciting” or as “stressful.”
I try to slow down as much as I can this time of the year and realize that I don’t have to say “yes” to everything. And lists are definitely a great way to feel less overwhelmed!
It’s so true, you create stress yourself! I do it all the time. I start thinking about all I have to do, then all of a sudden, I’m stressed! I try to just live in the moment and reassure myself that everything always gets done, no matter what. The holidays shouldn’t be stressful, they should be fun and merry! I take any opportunity I have to shop or buy a gift that I wanted to buy. I also allow myself plenty of time to relax, and breath
I have a hard time managing stress, but I think I am doing okay this season, I am just taking one day at a time I started my shopping earlier this time and maybe that helped out, and spreading out the expense of it all. This year I am just looking forward to being with my family!!!
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