Stress relief
Learning Center
Perfect holiday? Forget about it!
Adding extensive preparations, such as shopping, baking and entertaining, to your usual daily demands can take the joy out of the holidays. Instead, consider scaling back. Focus on the holiday traditions you enjoy most, and skip the rest. Accept imperfections in yourself and in others. Embrace the holiday season with peace and good cheer.
Dreading a family holiday gathering?
Family tension often runs high during the holiday season. Consider this a time to set differences aside. Try to accept loved ones as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress too.
Holidays don't have to break the bank
Before the holiday shopping season starts, decide how much you can afford to spend. If money is tight, try these alternatives: Suggest drawing names for a family gift exchange. Make gifts, such as certificates for a home-cooked meal or an evening of baby-sitting. Donate canned goods to a local food shelf in lieu of gifts. Remember, the best parts of the holiday season rarely come wrapped in a box. Treasured memories are the gifts that last.
Learn to say no and enjoy the holidays
The holidays can be a stressful time, with many additional events and obligations. Choose your commitments wisely. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and family will understand if you can't participate in every activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
The power of positive thinking
Negative thoughts can feed pessimism and create unnecessary stress. You can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. Throughout the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you.
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