Feel that Holiday Burn

 

I’ve recently been accused of “burning the candle at both ends”, a phrase that basically means I’ve been overloading my days and nights, and am near burning out all together. Of course, I have a list of excuses that justify my state of exhaustion, or at least justifies it in my own mind, but besides being a Maid of Honor for one of my best friends (wedding is in two days… YAY!) one of the culprits is a common one; the holidays.

Every year people find themselves overwhelmed with gift buying, party throwing, family gatherings, and an assortment of other annual obligations that often cause more stress than joy. For your health’s sake though, it’s important to take a step back. This is the season for fun, laughter, appreciating those you love, and surrounding yourself with the things that make you the happiest, so don’t let it pass you by in a whir of holiday music and sales. Some tips for slowing it down, without sacrificing the fun:

1. Make your list and check it twice – Getting organized is key to smooth sailing through the holidays. Make lists of those you want to get gifts for, send cards to, invite to parties, or try to call over the holidays.
2. Set your budget – Every year you try to wing it and get piles of presents for friends and loved ones, scraping by on the strings of your credit cards. This year set some budgets and stick to ‘em. Ending the year with money still in your bank account might relieve a lot of your holiday stress.
3. Limit your RSVPs – Too many parties will quickly overload your schedule and keep you hopping every waking minute. While it’s nice to send a thank you to everyone who invited you, you don’t have to say yes to all of them. Pick the most important and most fun ones where you’ll be the most comfortable and pass on the rest.
4. Indulge your inner Elf – Get creative around the holidays and try making some presents as opposed to buying them all. Bake, cook, get crafty and feel the satisfaction of making something with your own two hands.
5. Remember it’s a great time for Charity – Money isn’t the only thing you can donate to charities. In fact, sometimes your time is more valuable. Pick a local charity and get the family involved, invite some friends and spend a morning doing something for someone else.
6. Don’t forget YOURSELF! – Make sure you’re putting yourself first. You can’t take care of anyone else until you take care of yourself. Arrange an afternoon of spa treatments – done by someone else or right in your own kitchen – and relax. Buy yourself something special (I just bought a pair of pearl earrings) that will keep you smiling throughout the season. Spend some time sitting at home doing nothing, or watching your favorite movies to keep you from getting burned out.
7. Finally, ENJOY and Happy Holidays!!