4 Simple Plan-Now Tips for Holiday Health, Happiness & Less Stress

In the blink of an eye it’s two weeks until Thanksgiving. Halloween is past, the presidential election is finally over (for better or worse) and holiday music and displays are popping all over. With this beautiful time of year comes a lot of extra commitments and expectations, which can unfortunately make it one of the most stressful times of the year. From holiday office parties, school performances and parties, shopping, baking, wrapping, etc., etc. the commitments can quickly quash the joy and meaning of the season.

So in the hopes of spreading some joy this holiday season, we're sharing some tricks to help you manage the many demands that come at you this time of year, and you help you enjoy the season as well.

1. Make a list of everything you have to do, want to do and/or your family really wants to you to do this holiday season. Don't forget office party obligations and school performances, and make sure to add the steps necessary to do some of those things, e.g. order the holiday cards and buy the postage.
2. Create a gift list that includes everyone you need to buy for this holiday season. Make sure to include teacher gifts, hostess gifts and tips for those who have helped you out all year long. Leave room next to each name to start jotting down a couple of ideas for what to buy.
3. Make it real. Create a chart similar to the one below or start entering each task into your calendar. Only then can you start to see where things make get particularly stressful and plan ahead.
   
   

   November
   11/13 – 11/19	Order holiday cards & postage	Start shopping for teacher gifts	Shop for holiday office outfit
   11/20 – 11/26	Thanksgiving
   11/27 – 12/3	Decorate house	Shop cyber Monday deals for gifts	Address & mail holiday cards
   December
   12/4 – 12/10	School performance (day / time)	Prepare tips for service providers	Gift shopping
   12/11 – 12/17	Office party (day / time)	Baking	Gift shopping
   12/18 – 12/24	Nutcracker performance (day / time)	Mailing gifts	Travel / Prep home for guests

4. Prioritize and just say no. You are only one person and your joy, health and happiness matter this holiday season too. You don't have to do everything. Determine what's most important to you and/or family and say no to the rest. And enlist family members to help ease the burden on the To Dos that remain.

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