Holiday Stress Not

by | Nov 30, 2017 | Business Law, News

HOLIDAY STRESS NOT

An attempt to break the holiday stress routine

If you are anything like me, balancing your time between running a business and family life, the holidays have to be the most feared time of the year for you. You have learned how to manage your time throughout the year and more or less successful. Then the holidays set in and all of a sudden, your calendar fills up with functions, engagements and “let’s-do-it-this-year-not-next-year” obligations. The most wonderful time of the year turns into holiday stress. Here are some of my tried-and-tested activities to deal with it:

1. Change traditions if they stress you out

Family traditions are a great thing. This is the time where you drag the kids to see the Santa Claus Parade or hit the Christmas market. However, if it’s a big ordeal and your children have outgrown what you have been doing, change the tradition to something less big. Have a special breakfast together or go cut down your own tree instead.

 

Avoid holiday stress by giving yourself more time.

Time can be the most valuable commodity during the holidays.

2. Prioritize even more

Managing your time is always about prioritizing. At no other time is this more true than during the holidays. My to-do list just seems to get bigger, and it is crucial to ensure the most important things get done and. I had to learn not to stress out over the others.

3. Take a moment to enjoy yourself

It may seem impossible but taking care of yourself means caring for your business and for your family, as well. Make sure that you take moments to enjoy some aspect of the holidays; the first snow, watching your kids decorate the tree or anything else that brings you joy. Even if you have to schedule it.

4. Maintain your daily routine

No matter if it is the gym in the morning, walking the dog, or having 10 minutes to read the paper with your coffee; I find it crucial not to skip these daily routines in favour of holiday chores. Stick to your rituals to stay in control.

5. Say “no” more often

There will be things we haven’t been able to do the entire year, and it is unreasonable to expect ourselves to get them done before the end of the year. Letting these expectations go is just as important as not complying with everyone else’s expectations to get together around the holidays. It is not an easy thing to do but I have learned that I enjoy gatherings more this way because my stress level remains low.

These are just a few things that work me. What are some ground rules you can set for yourself to stay in control and avoid the holiday stress?