Make Your Holidays Stress-Free: 4 Ways to De-Hustle and De-Bustle Your Holiday Season

Most women lead very busy lives, yet we still expect to create the perfect holiday scenario for our families. The holiday responsibilities-decorating, cooking, baking, wrapping the gifts, sending cards, entertaining and much, much more-still tend to end up on our to-do lists.nUnfortunately, that means that many of us will find ourselves feeling stressed during what is supposed to be a festive and joyous time of the year. As women, we often set the tone during the holidays for the entire family. If we’re feeling stress or pressure, others in our family will begin to feel that tension also.nWith that in mind, it is important we take the initiative to make the holiday season more peaceful- for ourselves and our families. Here are a few ideas:n• Plan ahead-and reevaluate: The holiday season puts even more stress and pressure on us if we don’t take the time to plan. Sit down and make a list of the things you must do. Then-and this is important-reevaluate your to-do list with a critical eye. Find out what activities and traditions are important to you and your family, and what everyone agrees could be let go. It is critical for all of us to revaluate and to realize that it’s OK to simply let go of some things.n• Don’t do it alone: Many hands make light work. Why not enlist some help? Involve your family in the holiday tasks at hand or hire a teenager in your neighborhood. Things like putting the stamps on your cards, baking cookies, wrapping gifts are easily delegated tasks that don’t need to be done by you. Use your neighborhood and grocery store services for things like flowers, baked goods, hors d’ouevres, and more.n• Take time for yourself: Avoid the temptation to exhaust yourself trying to cross every last item off your to-do list. Remind yourself that, even during the busy holiday season, it’s OK to make time to do nothing-in fact, it’s good for you! Be still. Read a book, enjoy a bubble bath. Put on some relaxing music and have a cup of tea. Indulge in a massage or a pedicure. Whatever you do to relax, remember to keep it up during the holidays.n• Maintain your health: It’s no secret that stress can have a negative impact on your health. Staying healthy will make it much easier to enjoy the holidays. Most of us indulge in more than we should during the holidays-whether its food, drink or sweets-we need to strive to maintain a balanced diet and some regular exercise. It is also important to not let our obligations keep us from getting enough sleep. A good night’s sleep will help you maintain your energy level and a positive attitude.nIt’s hard to avoid being busier than usual during the holidays. This year why not take a few moments to de-hustle and de-bustle your holiday season. Make the time and take the time to enjoy a stress-free holiday season!nnCopyright 2008/2009nnAre you looking for Easy Elegance? Want to add a touch of romance to your holidays? For many more inspirational tips and ideas for adding elegance and romance to your holidays visit www.kathleenellis.blogspot.com and www.thecasualelegantlife.comnHappy Holidays!nn