Bust Holiday Stress
The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear the way for
greater joy, love and meaning this year by busting these sources
of holiday stress:
1. Too much to do in too little time.
*This week, set holiday priorities with your family. Discuss
what traditions to keep, which to discard, and which new
traditions to try.
*Make a holiday to-do list NOW and create a realistic schedule
for when to accomplish each item.
*Avoid overscheduling.
*Ask family members for help with holiday tasks.
2. Long lines in stores.
*Shop via catalog or Internet, and avoid stores on weekends if
you can.
*If you're shopping with small children, take along snacks,
books, toys or other items to make waiting in line more
pleasant. Or, if you're sufficiently uninhibited, sing a holiday
song with your child.
*If you're shopping alone, use waiting time to relax and and
center yourself with meditation or prayer. Try directing your
attention to your breathing at your belly. Or practice observing
the people around you through the eyes of compassion, without
judging. Give thanks or pray for healing, peace, or other
concerns close to your heart.
3. Difficult relatives.
*Take some quiet time to develop a plan for taking care of
yourself around relatives who