The Simple Life

Work/Life Tools

Family and Friends

• Take care of yourself:
  To feel your best, resist illness and manage holiday stress, practice the top six holiday health and wellness habits: get enough rest, eat smart, be physically active, manage stress, avoid excess alcohol and don't smoke.
• Simplify, simplify, simplify:
  Most people try to do too much. Set priorities, watch out for over-scheduling, learn to say no and cut back whenever you can. Other suggestions include keeping decorations simple, drawing names for gifts, having a potluck dinner (so you're not stuck doing all the work), and eliminating activities you don't enjoy.
• Watch overspending:
  Money problems are stressful. Make a budget and stick to it. Make homemade gifts (ornaments or other crafts) or give gifts that don't cost anything--your shoulder or ear for someone who needs to talk, hugs, laughs, written words (notes or emails), phone calls (local that is), compliments, gift certificates for your services (like babysitting or meals), solitude when needed, and a cheerful attitude.
• Eliminate perfectionist thinking:
  Many people feel stressed from having unrealistic expectations. No situation or person is perfect. Allow for mistakes, accidents and even recipes that don't come out right. Stuff happens!
• Get support:
  We all need a way to vent feelings safely when we get stressed. Family, friends, clergy or even a counselor can offer support during stressful times. Find someone you trust to talk to or email when you are feeling overwhelmed.
• Enjoy the act of giving:
  Giving a few dollars to the Salvation Army, donating toys or clothes to those in need, working at a soup kitchen or visiting others who may not be able to get out are simple ways to do for others. Every little bit helps.
• Take time to enjoy the beauty of the season:
  No matter how busy you are, take a few seconds to stop and focus on simple pleasures like watching an excited child opening a present, smelling your favorite traditional food cooking or listening to memorable holiday tunes by the fire. Enjoy time with family and friends and learn to relax even if it's for only a few minutes at a time.