Holiday Stress, Not this Year; tips for a stress free season
The holidays are here and they are supposed to be enjoyable. We are adding shopping, socializing, baking, house decorating and sometimes travel into our normal activities. Let’s face it, we are human but often times we try to be all things to all our loved ones and friends. We tend to fantasize early about the Christmas of all Christmases in our mind; is it any wonder we wind up feeling inadequate, exhausted and anything but happy in the end when we just give out? We are wise women and we know this but sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the momentum and forget our own good advice. This year why not try setting early realistic goals and be left with beautiful memories of fun, shared humor and good about ourselves when it’s over. Here are some tips to remind you how to enjoy the holiday and make it memorable and stress free at the same time.
- Number 1 priority – TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. If you’re stressed and exhausted you can’t enjoy anything. This can lead to a lower immune system, feelings of resentment and a short fuse. Plan now to get a massage, manicure/pedicure sometime during this season. This is the ideal time to force you to start that morning walk ritual. A few moments alone in the fresh air can really help you center and relax. Here are some other excellent ideas to keep handy and relax:
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. My friend Sharon shared this excellent recipe for a wonderful detoxifying water drink:
Sassy Water
81/2 cups water
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
12 mint leaves
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Leave all ingredients in the water thereafter. This is really good so be sure to try it.
2. We are likely to be on our feet a lot more than usual and we all know what this can do…. Here is an easy foot bath to refresh, revive and invigorate your tired aching feet after a long day of work, shopping or entertaining.
Refreshing Foot Bath
1 sprig of fresh rosemary with leaves
5 or 6 drops of tea tree oil
Fill a metal or plastic container that is large enough to comfortably fit both of your feet in with warm to hot water, depending on your comfort level. Make sure the container is large enough so the water will reach your ankles when you put your feet in. Break up and sprinkle the rosemary leaves into the water. Add the tea tree oil and gently swirl them into the water. Sit in a comfortable chair, place your feet in the bath, put your head back and relax and enjoy!
We should all remember to pamper ourselves throughout the year but during this hectic season that can test our strength and reserves it is imperative to give yourself extra time and attention. Make time, it’s important.
1. Planning. Part of the problem is we tend to think in the big picture and leave out the number of hours and time involved in our plans and we may not have the unlimited funds and army of helpers available to complete the tasks. Realize that your holiday gatherings do NOT have to be perfect. And really isn’t the perfect holiday the one where everyone had a wonderful time. (That includes you.)
- Plan now to let your family contribute to making this season a special one. Allowing family and friends to contribute will make them feel important, included and most people really appreciate the opportunity! Everyone has a special pie, dish or talent they would love to show off and share!
- Consider setting the holiday table up a day or so early with a family member or friends who also enjoys this activity. This could become a holiday ritual and bonding opportunity! I always cover the masterpiece with a sheet until the day of the dinner.
- Commit to being flexible with schedules ahead of time. Get in the flow of the holiday and be willing to let go of a planned activity that doesn’t happen and don’t stress if the dinner does not come out on the exact hour you planned.
2. Speaking of traditions and rituals. Every holiday does not have to be the same. Sit down now and choose which of your traditions are the most important to you and leave the others for another time. You can then do the job justice and will have the energy to really make it special and enjoy it. Keeps things familiar but fresh with a new idea or two. Try to size down a bit, think Quality not Quantity. And remember all those magazines and TV shows have a number of unseen heads and hands, (staff) that make works of art a reality. Here are a couple of enjoyable ideas to enjoy and can actually help you with the process at the same time.
- Have a cookie decorating afternoon. Invite your guests to an afternoon of making cookies. Everyone can bring cookie making supplies and decorate the cookies for your family gatherings. Get a goofy gift and blind vote for who made the coolest cookie.
- Include an evening of fun free holiday entertainment. Cook popcorn and watch a traditional favorite holiday movie or a drive around town to look at lights. Visit a museum or an art gallery. How about a pretty drive and stop for some hot chocolate along the way. Very relaxing and a chance to spend some quality time with loved ones. Grab your girlfriends or relatives and head for the mall and get a picture made with Santa. Rollerblade together or take an evening walk through the neighborhood and then share some Christmas cheer afterward. Be creative; sometimes the simplest activities are the best.
- Christmas wrapping parties with friends can be fun also. Gather some friends have them bring some of their presents and supplies and wrap presents together! Great conversations and ideas are born in the process.
3. BUDGET. This is an annual problem and is the number one stressor for the holiday season. Make a gift budget and stick to it. That way you won’t feel dread during the process and want to shoot yourself after it is over. Do what you need to do to stay in that budget. Draw names or reduce the number of presents you give to each person. Do some homemade gifts. There are many ways to cut back here. Offer your time or expertise in a certain area, gardening or cooking a meal or house/dog sitting and give your loved one a coupon to be used when they need it in the coming year. Many of these things are of great value to someone and often times more appreciated than anything else you could give!
And lastly, this year I am determined to make my shopping experience pleasant and not simply another pressure. I am going to do as much of my shopping as possible online and EARLY! I have already started my list and the best of what I have found is below. There are unique gifts for everyone and maybe some of these ideas will be perfect for the loved ones in your life.
Unique Gifts and Fab Finds:
Primula Flowering Tea Set with 40-Ounce Pot with Glass Lid
This is a beautiful gift for anyone who loves the ritual of a relaxing cup of tea. When placed in water the tea balls gracefully open into a delightful flower. Enchanting!
Meditation Bowl Box, Red Lotus; 3″
Take your meditations to a new level and get inspired with this singing meditation bowl. I love the image of the vining lotus on the box, symbolizing the full flower of wisdom, on the box.
Columbus Washboard 3020 Galvanized Washboard, Teak 12-7/16×23-3/4 Inches
I love collecting and tinkering with musical instruments. It seems to open some sort of gateway to my creative side!
DVD-Folk Rhythms-Learn To Play Spoons,Bones,Washboard,Hambone and the Paper Bag
Of course it will be helpful to have some intruction! This DVD covers other methods for early American music. The spoons… now wouldn’t that be fun!
AeroGrow AeroGarden with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit
What a fabulous idea! I am trying to eat more organic and fresh foods and have discovered the incredible flavor in fresh herbs. This item is on my Christmas list!
Just in case Santa doesn’t bring me my Aerogarden… I thought this herb savor was a great idea. Fresh herbs do have a tendency to go bad quicker than I can use them and this will extend their life in my fridge. It seems well worth it when you consider the expense of fresh herbs at the grocer!
Norpro 5-1/2-Inch Garlic Baker
Yum! Garlic is so good for us. Who doesn’t love the taste and smell of roasted garlic. I usually do mine on the grill so this will be perfect on those days that is impossible. It’s oven and microwave safe!
The Garlic Lovers’ Cookbook, Vol. II
I read the reviews on this book and do plan to purchase this myself. There is talk of a stuffed mushroom recipe that sounds delicious.
Fred & Friends Cool Jazz Ice Cube Trays Set of 2
These are just cool. What a great stocking stuffer.
Fred Toothpick Holder, Ouch Gray
Now this is cute. A great conversation piece and a fun gift for the person who has everything!
Polar F6 Women’s Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Pink Coral)
New Years resolutions are upon us and it will soon be time to get in shape. My daughter has this monitor and she wears it as a watch all the time. It looks great, waterproof and she loves it.
This is the perfect massage tool to relieve stress,tension and tight muscles. Best of all, you can use it on yourself !
Basic Knead Reflexology Sox – Form Fitting Foot Socks for Massage Therapy
Wait until you see the picture for this item! It feels good just looking at them.
Hmmmm. The soothing calming scent of lavender. This shawl size blanket is like floating in a piece of heaven. You can microwave it for fragrant mood elevating warmth or freeze it to soothe sore muscles and the cover is washable. Your loved one will thank you for this one.
I used to have a lavender eye mask and I wore it out. It really does relax you after a long hard day. This one has the advantage of a washable case!
Bonsai Boy’s Starter Kit
Make Your Own Bonsai Tree
The art of growing one these mystical trees require patience and care and is said to be a peaceful and rewarding experience. If you have a plant enthusiast on your list this kit includes everything the beginning artist will need. A gift the keeps on giving!
The perfect companion for the Bonsai Starter Kit to get your Bonsai enthusiast off on the right foot.
Sunrise Earth: American Sunrises (3pc) (Ws Ac3)
How about a little relaxation. I love tuning in to Sunrise Earth but often miss it as it is on EARLY. This DVD creates a wonderful peaceful environment for your home anytime during the day. Incredible scenery and the sound makes you feel as if you are there! I highly recommend any of the Sunrise Earth DVDs.
The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time
Speaking of the EARTH! I know we are all concerned about preserving our earth’s beauty and resources for our future generations. This book is full of easy ideas to incorporate into our lives to help to just that.
I love anything by Clarissa Pinkola Estes but I am in awe every time I listen to her. She has a true gift for story telling. My latest reads are about encouraging our creative instincts and I know this will be inspiring. This is not a new recording but I do not own it, as yet! It is at the top of my Christmas list. Heloooo, Alexis, are you listening?
The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women: A Portable Mentor
I am in the process of reading and enjoying this book. It is full of tips on how to nourish and evoke our creative instincts. It would be a wonderful gift for any of your female friends or loved ones. If you don’t happen to have or receive this special book I would recommend you get it for yourself!
I had way too much fun shopping for these gifts. I hope you find something wonderful for your special person.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day! I hope you spend it surrounded by those you love and are filled with the gratitude of all that you have and all that you are.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
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Deborah Hayes, CTA Life Coach
Empowering women to live a life of consequence, a life without regrets that is your own unique version of the life you love. About Deborah
deborah@womenintransitiononline.com
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