Save the Stress for Santa

For me the holiday season starts at Halloween. It seems, to me at least, that the commercial world thinks the holidays start BEFORE Halloween. The bottom line is this time of year can, and usually is, very stressful for many people. Probably even Santa but he has elves to help him out. I don't know about you, but I don't have any elves helping me out. So I'm going to change up my blog a wee bit to offer some suggestions that hopefully will help you get through this a little bit less stressed this year. Let's review possible triggers to stress:
1) Relationships: Relationships always have the ability to cause tension and frustration, it can be more so during the holidays because we have this ideal setting in our heads (fueled by the media) that the holidays are a time of joy, love, and getting along. Things become intensified this time of year, we're around people we don't always spend a lot of time with and sometimes choose to not be around a lot. Or you could be facing a holiday without a loved one and this is increasing your sad feelings and grief. Well this is easier said than done, lower your expectations. We will get into this in more detail on a later post!
2) Fiances: Money is the root of all evil, so it is said. It's definitely the root of many tense situations and fear. Many folks overspend during the holidays trying to make others happy and create that picture perfect holiday season. (again, fueled by the media!) Well, again, easier said than done, set and stick to a budget. I prefer well thought out, even homemade gifts to store bought ones. They carry more love and sentiment with them...I promise we will review this a tad more later on.
3) Physical demands: Shopping, numerous holiday parties to attend, preparing meals, cleaning the house before guests arrive, and going to the airport to pick people up is draining physically, and emotionally. Well create and stick to a schedule that has you in mind, get time to rest, pray/meditate, exercise, and eat healthy. Yes I would venture to guess we will review this later as well!
So chew on those triggers. Do any trigger you?

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