[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #4c1970;”] T [/dropcap]he holiday season is in full swing! As you walk through the stores you’re probably seeing the evidence that the holidays are among us. For some, this marks the beginning of friends, family, and good times. For others, it means endless get togethers, annoying family members, and diving further into debt!
If you fall into the latter category, understand that it doesn’t have to be that way. The holidays can actually be an enjoyable time of year, if you set some boundaries for yourself.
1. Get some exercise.
I know, I know, for some of you that’s the last thing you wanted to hear. But it really is a great stress reliever! When you exercise, the chemicals that cause stress, like cortisol and norepinephrine, are burned away. At the same time, vigorous exercise releases endorphines- morphine like hormones that are responsible for the feeling of well being- which will instantly put you in a better mood. So if you feel your stress level rising, go outside and take a brisk walk. It will make everything seem a lot better!
2. Don’t Go to Everything
I guess I’m a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to this one, but I’m really good at it. I’m good at “being busy”. Let’s face it, if you actually went to EVERYTHING you were invited to you would be dragging yourself, and sometimes your family, everywhere! Pick and choose which events you really want to participate in, but learn to say NO! You don’t have to go to every event that pops up. Let them know that you wish you could be there, but you have to______(you fill in the blank). You could also send a gift, or a card to make up for your absence. I’m sure the party will go on with out you, so if it seems like it’s just too much- don’t go.
3. Take a Nap
I LOVE taking naps! Sometimes you just need to slow down and re-energize, and a good power nap will always do the trick! Go out to your car, or stretch out on the sofa- you can even put your head down on your desk at work if you have a private office! It really doesn’t matter where, just catch some shut eye- 10 to 20 minutes should do the trick- and you will wake up ready to face anything! Just make sure you set your alarm! You don’t want to sleep until the next morning! Or do you? 
4. Don’t Strain your Pocket Book! (or Wallet)
This is super important. I simply adore giving gifts, but there are times where I just have to stop myself. I would love to give my friends and family what I think they deserve all the time- but some years it’s just not possible. Set a budget for your self and stick to it! Don’t stray from your budget, not even a little bit. If you take your time and search for good gifts within your budget, you will be happy in January instead of depressed looking at the credit card bills you have to spend the rest of the year paying off. I know this one can be hard, but it really will keep you from being super-stressed later on.
5. Shop Early- and Online!
When I started shopping online I thought the gates of heaven opened up just for me, angels started singing, and beautiful white doves began to fly- not really, but it was waaaay cool! First, I made a list of everyone I was giving a gift to. Then, I took my time looking for deals and bargains that were in my budget and ordered them anytime between the months September and November. By the time Thanksgiving was over, I was done with all of my shopping and gift wrapping! This meant that I could actually enjoy the holidays, and the parties, and all of the other sometimes annoying things that take place in December. I was truly stress free for the first holiday since I was a kid- and I’ve done it every year since. If you need help getting started with this check out my article on The Essential Holiday Gift Giving Blueprint to get you started.
I hope this helped you out a little. At least now you know how to relax and enjoy all that the holiday season has to bring.
Happy Holidays!
