If this is the \u201cmost wonderful time of the year,\u201d why am I so stressed? Can you relate to that question? It\u2019s true that the December holidays are one of the most anxiety-producing times of the year. It\u2019s easy to understand why \u2013 the endless to-do lists, unrealistic expectations of self, others and the holiday experience, family pressures and financial concerns; it\u2019s easy to end up depressed, panicked or just plain stressed out. There are usually some common reasons why this happens. The better news is that there are things you can do to lower stress levels and actually enjoy the holidays.<\/p>\n
High Expectations<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard not to have high expectations around the holidays. You may long for holiday entertaining perfection a la Martha Stewart or family hominess like a Norman Rockwell painting. But what you may fail to remember is that you can only work within the talents, budget and with the family members you have. Setting unrealistically high expectations creates incredible stress mainly because there’s no way to create perfection given our real-life limitations.<\/p>\n
The answer to having high expectations is simple. Redefine \u201cperfect\u201d to mean \u201crealistic.\u201d Sure, you may want to host a gala party that everyone will be talking about for weeks. But maybe an informal, potluck get-together with your neighbors is more in line with your time and lifestyle. Take a break from what you think you need to do to make a holiday special. Instead, focus on what is possible for you and your family.<\/p>\n
Old Baggage<\/p>\n
If your family of origin was less than ideal, or if your parents were stressed during the holidays, you may be bringing those memories from your childhood into your present. Holidays past that were more Scrooge-like than Leave It to Beaver can affect how you experience the holidays today. Yes, this is true even if you swear you\u2019ve gotten over whatever did or didn\u2019t happen back then.<\/p>\n
If this is your story, there are things you can do to lessen the intensity of old feelings. If you have a past that was less than perfect, recognize it. Take time to process the feelings that come up, and consciously work to let them go. Remind yourself that the past is past, and the only thing that matters is today. Once you work through these things, then you can begin the work it takes to enjoy your holidays. Consider creating new traditions and experiences. Do things the way you want to, honor the person you have become and cherish the family you have.<\/p>\n
Financial Concerns<\/p>\n
Finances are probably the largest source of stress during the holidays. This is especially true if you tend to spend more than you have. If you\u2019re driven by high expectations, you may feel that using a credit card is justified to buy that \u201cperfect\u201d gift. You may want to buy everyone all that their hearts\u2019 desire. You may want to throw that lavish party and decorate your house as they do on HGTV. You may want a great outfit for your company\u2019s holiday soiree. But can you really afford it? When we spend what we don’t have, we feel guilty, uneasy and anxious.<\/p>\n
The answer to financial pressures is easy \u2013 set a budget. Make a complete list of gifts to buy, activities to host or attend, food to purchase and other expenses you may have. Then, estimate a reasonable dollar amount for each item. The key word here is \u201creasonable.\u201d Pulling out your credit card to go above and beyond only delays the pain.<\/p>\n
Too Many Things to Do<\/p>\n
\u201cReal life\u201d doesn’t stop when the holidays start. In addition to your regular responsibilities, you now have holiday cards, wrapping, school events, church events and more added to an already full life. Having more to do than you could possibly accomplish results in stress and pressure.<\/p>\n
The answer here is also easy \u2013 do what you can. Look at each task and determine if there is a quicker or simpler route to complete it. For example, instead of making a holiday play costume from scratch, see if you can borrow or buy one. You can’t skip the office holiday potluck luncheon, but you can offer to bring drinks and napkins instead of signing up to make lasagna for a crowd. Figure out the minimum amount of involvement you can afford, and then commit to it.<\/p>\n
If you pay attention to where your holiday stress and anxiety are coming from, you can work to minimize the effects. And when you\u2019re consciously working to reduce your expectations, workload, financial burdens and commitments, you can begin to enjoy the season, creating joyful memories you and your family will cherish.<\/p>\n
Better Life Maids is a green house cleaning service founded in St. Louis, MO. Better Life Maids is seeking to grow in select markets through a franchise development program, as well at the addition of new company owned units. Better Life Maids has partnered with Better Life a green household cleaning products company to help create the first national green product and service brand. For more information visit https:\/\/www.betterlifemaids.com or http:\/\/www.cleanhappens.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If this is the \u201cmost wonderful time of the year,\u201d why am I so stressed? Can you relate to that question? It\u2019s true that the December holidays are one of the most anxiety-producing times of the year. It\u2019s easy to understand why \u2013 the endless to-do lists, unrealistic expectations of self, others and the holiday […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n