10 Ways to Keep Holiday Stress At Bay
The days seem to pick up speed as the calendar rounds toward the end of the year. Keep calm in the face of the season’s frenetic pace with these 10 tips for curbing holiday stress.
1. GRAB GROCERIES ON THE GO
Most stores offer curbside pickup and delivery, giving you the gift of more time. Get pantry staples with time to spare and save the freshest needs for last.
2. CONFAB WITH THE FAM
Stave off hurt feelings by setting expectations for visits with the extended family ahead of time.
3. TAKE TIME OFF
Don’t be a Scrooge when it comes to scheduling PTO.
4. SLOW THE DINNER RUSH
Simplify the nightly meal – plan a weekly menu, up to your takeout game, or try a meal kit delivery service.
5. PLAN AHEAD
Opt-out of the last-minute frenzy by parsing your holiday to-do list out over weeks instead of days.
6. GO GREEN WITH GREETINGS
Skip the snail mail and paper trail by sending season’s greetings via a digital card service.
7. DON’T BUDGE ON THE BUDGET
Steer clear of the siren call of sales by setting strict spending parameters. Your future self will thank you.
8. SETTLE IN FOR SELF-REFLECTION
As the year ends, take stock of what worked and what didn’t during the past 12 months.
9. GROUND YOURSELF IN GRATITUDE
Lighten your load with a quick rundown of your greatest gratitude hits.
10. EMBRACE THE ‘NO’
The holiday season heralds a flurry of invitations. Say ‘no’ early and often to avoid being overbooked.