THE ABC’S of REDUCING HOLIDAY STRESS

Are you stressed and anxious about the holidays? Read these tips for making better use of your time, reducing your stress, and making your season merry. Here's how to have a fun, relaxing, and healthy holiday season.


ASSIGN TASKS TO OTHERS: Many hands make light work.

BUDGET FOR GIFTS, PARTIES: Financial stress after the holidays is not worth it.
COOK IN ADVANCE: Prepare foods ahead of time and freeze them.
DECOMPRESS: Sit down and read, play a game, take a nap.
E-CARDS: They are easy, fun and the wave of the future.
FOCUS ON FUN: If it isn't enjoyable, ask yourself why you are doing it.
GROCERY SHOP WITH A LIST: A time saver and a money saver.
HEALTHY EATING: Take care of your body and fuel it efficiently.
IMPROVE SLEEP HABITS: You will feel better with proper sleep.
JOURNAL: A proven stress reliever.
KEEP IT SIMPLE: The simplest things can be the most beautiful.
LAUGH: Another proven stress reliever and so much fun!
MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY: You are in charge of your 24 hours a day.
NEW TRADITIONS: Don't be afraid of change.
ONLINE SHOPPING: Time, energy and money saver.
PICK YOUR BATTLES: You won't please everyone all the time.
QUIET TIME FOR YOURSELF: Conserve your energy and fill up your reserves.
REFLECT ON PRIORITIES: What is most important to you? What/who are you putting first?
STREAMLINE GIFT GIVING: Buy one gift for each person or make a date to spend time with them.
TIME WITH LOVED ONES: There is no greater gift.
UNDERSTANDING OTHERS: Seek to understand others....we don't all see things the same.
VENTING (APPROPRIATELY): When you are stressed or angry, talk it out with someone.
WATCH EXPECTATIONS: Things won't be perfect--accept this.
XANAX (ho ho-just checking to see if you are reading this---with a valid prescription only please)
YES TO LESS STRESS
ZZZ's Sleep in heavenly peace.

Linda Peterman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice in Tampa, Florida. She specializes in couples counseling, relationships, communication, anxiety, domestic violence and other issues pertinent to mental health and happiness. http://www.counselingtampa.com/contactus.html



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