THE with Christmas approaching we all feel that a our tasks become powerful and the waves crash above our heads. Day after day follows, and in the blink of an eye, Christmas Eve is here. Holiday stress is familiar to everyone. If you want to avoid tension at Christmas, think about how you can lower your expectations, prepare a budget in advance that you can stick to, get enough rest and let your ideas be realistic during the holiday preparations. Forgive yourself for not being perfect, because you don't always get things done or solved. Try to let go of certain expectations. During Christmas, stress and tension can be reduced with conscious attention. However, this requires changing our thinking and our expectations. try to slow down a little that mfind joy during the Christmas holidays even in simple things.
8 tips for Christmas to avoid stress
TIP 1: Make a list and keep it with you.
Make a list write down your things to do, about baked goods, gifts, who and what you want to surprise. Check the list regularly, that's when you see what you've finished and what's left. If you have a new task, add it too. I think the it's easiest to store it on my phone, because it is always hidden in our bag and we can look at it at any time.
TIP 2: Make a budget and stick to it.
Track your spending. The small sums of money given here and there without being noticed add up and become a visible amount. One of the biggest stressors of the holidays is related to financial expenses. In big dumping, you can sometimes forget what you ordered earlier when shopping online until the packages arrive. Write the orders in your calendar, so you can track it.
TIP 3: Be realistic!
You are not superman/superwomen. You only have 24 hours in the day. Don't expect everything to be perfect. Do your best and focus on the holidays and enjoying yourself! One of the best ways to avoid stress at Christmas is to not expect too much of yourself.
TIP 4: Don't wait until the last minute.
There will be much less stress (and more choice) if you start shopping now. Don't spend the last two days before Christmas going from store to store looking for that last gift or item that's out of stock.
TIP 5: Take time to enjoy the holidays.
Enjoy special moments with your friends and family. Bake a cake. Go ice skating or take a walk in the cool weather? Relaxation is a great way to de-stress at Christmas or anytime. With a little awareness it's worth taking time to recharge and put things aside in order not to suffocate by Christmas and to be able to enjoy the holidays and not to lie down for the festive period afterwards.
TIP 6: Practice self-care, spend time on your hobbies.
Take time for yourself. Get enough sleep and eat properly. Spend time on relaxation and hobbies, to what charges you with energy and also turns you off. De-stress with a cup of chamomile tea, your favorite music and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
TIP 7: Don't overcomplicate things!
Christmas dinner should be simple. If you celebrate with close family simplify the menu, don't cook a lot of things, obsession if you can do it order it the Christmas menu from a local restaurant, you can also take a load off your shoulders. If they celebrated in a larger circle, if possible, ask your friends or family to bring a dish or two for the festive feast. If possible, take care of the meal together. Everyone has their tried-and-true Christmas recipe that they can put into the joint.
TIP 8: Use relaxation techniques to stay calm!
Do not forget me to relax regularly. Whether it's deep breathing, yoga or meditation, if you find yourself stressed, take time to relax.
Photo taken by Viktória Szabó
Summary
If you want to avoid Christmas stress, the most important thing is to remember to slow down. Think about what you have to do and don't overcommit. If you have more time to think about what's most important, you can probably reduce your stress levels significantly. Conscious planning relieves tension, and also don't forget to be flexible and forgiving of yourself if things don't go according to plan. If you feel that you cannot bear the burden, then by all means ask your loved ones for help.
Sources:
Ellen LaFleche-Christian and Confessions of an Overworked Mom
