Holiday Stress-Busters: 18 Sanity-Saving Shortcuts

By Paula Spencer, Caring.com senior editor

If the fast-approaching holidays fill you with visions of stress and dread rather than of family, friends, and dancing sugarplums, make an early New Year’s resolution: Vow now to simplify your life; don’t wait for January regrets to kick in.

The secret: easy shortcuts that shift the focus away from obligation to what really matters — people.

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It might sound counterintuitive to cram in time for yourself during what’s supposed to be a season of loving your fellow man. But regular time to regroup, without distractions, gives you both energy and calm — making you more fun to be around. Too many people lop self-time off the list in the busy season.

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Better:

Check in with your body first, every time. Before answering an invitation or building a gingerbread house, pause to notice whether you feel excited or tense, relaxed or headachy, calm or vaguely nauseated. If you’re not good to go, don’t go forward. Don’t worry about what others will think.

Take a mid-party break. Step outside. Look up at the stars. Or find a quiet corner where you can listen to music alone for a few minutes or do some deep breathing, even if it’s just in thebathroom.

Say “yes” to the bigger gatherings. Attending events where you’ll see lots of faces in a short period may help you feel less obligated to attend lots of smaller events over successive evenings. Big parties can be exhausting, but then you’re done.

Holiday Stress-Busters: 18 Sanity-Saving Shortcuts originally appeared on Caring.com.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sarah M.

5:15PM PST on Dec 18, 2011

thanks

send a green star

Carole R.

4:21PM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Thanks for the information.

Michele W.

11:30AM PST on Dec 11, 2011

Thank you

Carmen S.

12:47PM PST on Dec 10, 2011

thank you for these great tips for getting through the holidays

Brian M.

12:47PM PST on Dec 7, 2011

Turn down the volume of everything holiday related. You don't have to buy a lot of gifts: give the gift of love and companionship. You don't have to cook elaborate meals: a simple, homemade meal is more than enough. You don't have to do a lot of things: the holiday season is a time for all of us to be together and to enjoy this special time together. Who could possibly need more than that?

andrew h.

8:25AM PST on Dec 7, 2011

I find a definate way to get more peace in life is what you focus your mind on.

rather than fighting your mind or thoughts, a time tested way to help is silent mantra repetition. It can likely reduce stress in my opinion

a selection of various mantras from different religions are here:

http://www.amritapuri.org/6719/mantra-japa.aum

its free to do, unobtrusive and helps create peace (if you remember to chant as much as you can - constantly if you can) I think