Planning and attending parties, buying and giving gifts, organizing trips – these are just some of the things that we do during the holidays and each one of them involves careful and thoughtful planning and deliberation. The holidays isn’t just about fun and games, it also entails a lot of details and can therefore be overwhelming at times. Stress can suddenly creep out of nowhere and it can suddenly take a hold of you until you feel like giving up. In order to avoid breaking down, here are some tips to help you get through everything:
1. Don’t be so Type A. By definition, people with a Type A Behavior Pattern (TABP) are highly competitive and they are very critical on themselves. Individuals with this behavioral pattern are also in a perpetual state of urgency. They despise delays and any obstructions to their well-thought out schedules. They also tend to multi-task. Although having these characteristics isn’t necessarily a bad thing, don’t forget what you’re preparing and who you’re preparing them for. You’re organizing for the holidays and you’re preparing for your loved ones. Enjoy things as they come and don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself. It is totally fine if the way you wrap your gifts isn’t symmetrical; or if the way you design your cards isn’t on par with those readymade holiday cards – what matters is the thought and love you put into everything you do.
2. Plot out and schedule your activities. Take note of everything you have to do and map them out – put reminders on your calendars or you can even make them into alarms. Make sure that none of your plans, activities and parties collides with each other.
3. Budget. Set a budget and don’t go overboard with the spending. Although it feels good to give nice things to the ones you love, just thinking of the costs can stress you out. It may sound selfish to some but, think of yourself and your own pockets and set a limit. Before heading out to the stores, finalize your finances and settle on how much you’re actually willing to spend. On the other hand, if you really want to save, or if you really don’t have that much of a budget, personalize your gifts. Let your creativity run wild while saving your pockets.
4. Let go of past activities and customs which are no longer significant. Spending time with family will always be meaningful and significant; however, it is also true that as one grows older, there are some things which become less enjoyable. For that reason, why don’t you let go of traditions and customs which are no longer enjoyable? Let go of things or activities which are not pleasurable anymore and instead create new ones with your family.
5. Stay healthy. The holiday season isn’t just about companionship, and parties and gift-giving, but for some people, it is also the time to indulge themselves in food and drinks under the pretense of enjoying the holiday spirit. It isn’t necessarily bad to indulge oneself every once in awhile, especially during the holidays; however, one must never forget about one’s health. Don’t go crazy and don’t overeat what you know are bad for you. Also, never forget to balance everything out with exercise.
Some people may disregard these tips and some may even find them annoying; however, we ask that you don’t take them for granted. These tips will surely allow you to not just relax and have fun but it can also help you reduce stress and stay healthy.