December 15, 2008

Tips aim to lessen holiday stress

Too much stress can turn holidays into unhappy days. Branna Smith, Worklife Programs specialist, says the bulk of holiday stress falls into one or more of the following areas: gift-giving obligations, expenses, lack of time, and unrealistic expectations.

"The holidays can be overwhelming," Smith says. "Fortunately, there are plenty of things people can do to keep their holiday-related stress in check."

Smith offers these stress-reducing tips:

Holiday stress hotspot 1: gifts

-- Make a list of gift recipients.

-- Look for gifts that can be bought for multiple people. Similarly, look for stores where multiple purchases can be made.

-- Plan a few back-up gifts or generic gifts with blank cards for unexpected gift-giving moments.

-- Focus on the point of gift giving: showing appreciation for someone. Enjoy the process of finding them something they'll like.

-- If shopping isn't an appealing task, plan a single gift shopping day. Make this day sooner rather than later to avoid the holiday shopping craze.

"Or, don't go shopping," Smith says. "Thanks to the Internet and catalogues, there is enough time to order gifts so you don't have to leave your house or office."

Holiday stress hotspot 2: holiday expenses

-- Set a budget, and stick to it. Don't buy gifts that will take the rest of the year to pay off.

-- Think of alternative ways to give gifts (set up a gift exchange, make some handmade gifts or foodstuffs).

-- Choose inexpensive ways of entertaining and enjoying. Have a potluck party instead of being the sole food provider.

-- Do activities with family and friends that cost little or no money: go on walks, have a movie night instead of going to see the latest blockbuster together.

-- Give the gift of a phone call or note. Let people know how important they are with words, not expensive gifts.

"Most people need this type of nourishment in general and may need it even more during the holidays," Smith says. "It may be the best gift they get."

Holiday stress hotspot 3: lack of time

-- Complete gift shopping early. This will remove one of the biggest time stresses during the holidays.

-- Refuse invitations. "You don't have to go to every party you're invited to," Smith says. "If party-going becomes a chore or exhausting, step back and slow down the pace."

-- Take time for yourself. With so much emphasis on time with family and friends, many people feel guilty taking time for themselves. "When you consciously plan to have alone time, it keeps you empowered and reduces possible feelings of melancholy during the holiday season," Smith says.

-- Share the tasks. View a to-do list as an opportunity to spend time with people. By sharing responsibilities, the tasks will take half as long and be more enjoyable.

Holiday stress hotspot 4: anticipation and expectations

-- Be realistic. Just because it's the holidays, family issues will not suddenly disappear and not everything will be perfect.

-- Adjust expectations. "Expect a few bumps in the road at family events and gatherings and you'll be better able to deal with them," Smith says.

-- Relish traditions. Focus on those little traditions that may evoke positive memories for the holidays such as songs, events and rituals. Consider creating new traditions if older ones are marred with mixed memories.