Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Holiday Stress Relief: Tips To Reclaim Your Christmas Spirit

With all the activity surrounding the Christmas season, it's almost hard not to get stressed by the time Christmas Day comes around.

What you need to remember is that are always things you can do to relieve the stress. Here are some holiday stress relief tips to help you reclaim your Christmas spirit.

Shopping Tips

Take the stress off shopping by choosing to shop online or via mail order catalogs where possible. You won't need to wade through huge crowds, you can shop in your pajamas, and you have access to a much larger selection of gifts than you would have in brick and mortar stores.

During Christmas, many online retailers offer promotions such as free shipping or special discounts on shipping. With the ability to compare prices easily online, its very likely that you'll end up saving money, including the savings on gas for the trip.

If you end up shopping in brick and mortar stores, make a list before you venture out and stick to it. It is a lot easier to adhere to a list rather than wander around aimlessly for hours in the stores.

Keep Your Friends Close

For your shopping trip, you might want to consider taking friends along. You could go to the mall, shop separately, and meet up to relax over a cup of hot chocolate or coffee later on.

Learn how to make lemonade out of lemons. If you know that you have to go to a dreaded dinner with certain relatives, for example, then invite a few friendlier people along.

Take Baby Steps

Try to break up the chores and do a little at a time. For example, if you decide to cook Christmas dinner, you can cook certain things the day before so that you aren't in such frenzy the day of Christmas. If you give out Christmas cards, put the pile by your nightstand, and write out a few every night before you go to bed.

Set Goals

When you have an end point, you can visualize it. Decide to complete all your holiday tasks by December 22nd, for example, so that you can relax for the next few days. You might even consider listing out your goals and due dates.

Exercise

Exercise is an immediate mood lifter. Take as little as 20 minutes and go for a walk. You will reduce stress hormones and increase your endorphins, putting you in a much more relaxed state, ready to face the day ahead.

Don't Overeat

It is very easy to eat more than you normally would, with all of the parties and cookies being passed around. However, when you eat too much, you'll feel stuffed, uncomfortable and guilty for cheating on your diet. Eat smaller portions and you'll be happier and healthier.

Get 'Me' Time

Take time outs for yourself, even if its as little as 15 minutes a day. Listen to relaxing music, go for a walk, or paint your nails - whatever will make you happy. These 15 "me" minutes can absolutely transform your day.

Follow these tips to relieve your holiday stress, and you'll be as upbeat and radiant as your Christmas tree by the time Christmas comes around.
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