The good news is the Holidays are coming!  The bad news is that along with them comes the stress of having too much to do and too many places to be on top of our normal schedule.  So what is the game plan to avoid stress and anxiety?  Read on for some answers...

 

Plan ahead for the holidays starting right now.  We live in such busy times that if we don't plan ahead, then we plan to fail.  Get out your calendar and note dates to remember, places you have to be and schedule in time for organizing and executing your holiday plans.  Plan to give yourself personal down time as well, including massage and acupuncture, to ease anxiety and stress over the holidays.

 

The next step is to get started early.  There is nothing like the stress that you will experience at 9 PM Christmas Eve trying to find the perfect gift for Mom or Dad!  (Been there, done that!) So start now!  Get wish lists from family members, make preparations, shop, make food and freeze it, and get those greeting cards written.  Get as much done before Thanksgiving as possible and you will thank yourself later.

 

Avoid the mall!  A day at the mall sounds like a great way to accomplish your gift and card buying mission.  But rarely does it accomplish everything, often accomplishes nothing, and actually may raise stress and anxiety levels due to overcrowded parking lots, long lines at the cash register and at mall restaurants, noise and confusion, as well as the post shopping spree traffic jam.  Instead try online and catalog shopping and please remember to visit small local businesses and merchants whose very survival depends on your patronage.  Have gift wrapping done in the store unless you particularly enjoy that activity.

 

Spending less during these tough economic times is also beneficial for your budget and your stress level.  Try making gifts that you know other people will value and cherish.  Every sweater knitted or piece of furniture made will be treasured by someone, but simple gifts that you make will be valued as well.  Homemade soap is appreciated and costs just pennies to make.

 

Delegate some or all of the holiday preparations to other people in the family. Children can address greeting card envelopes and be in on signing them.  In return for completing the task, promise them something fun like an evening at the movies or skating at the local park.

 

Make the holidays a time for family togetherness.  Take the family far out in the countryside to cut your own tree and guarantee some family time together.  Or take in one of the holiday musical performances as a family.  One of the many do-it-yourself Messiah performances is perfect for children who can read, but can't sit through a non-interactive music performance.  Let's recognize, however, that no matter how much we love them, difficult family members can turn the holidays into living hell.  There are no easy answers here, but limiting the amount of time with them is a good first step.  There is no reason why the holidays cannot be spent with other family members or friends and lonely distant relatives might appreciate the company.

 

Eating healthy throughout the holidays keeps our energy and spirits up.  Taking time out for a good meal is taking time out for your self and reduces stress.  Avoiding fast food and junk food is a good way to avoid the inevitable holiday weight gain.  And keep alcohol consumption to a minimum to avoid hangover induced ineffectiveness.

 

Finally, if holiday stress and anxiety become overwhelming, then book yourself for a $50 stress and anxiety reduction acupuncture session with Roger at body and soul spa retreat.