Having holiday stress during quarantine?
How to fight holiday stress?
Are holiday expectations still stressing you out?
The holidays always put an extra layer of pressure on all of us – just to make them better than “good.” While the holidays are an amazing time of year, getting it all done is overwhelming. It feels like a marathon – and you’re sprinting through it.
Nobody can “do it all” and no one is perfect. Please stop trying to be perfect. Here are some of my tips for managing this crazy time of year, does not matter if you are working full-time at work or at home.
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Let go of festive fairy tales
We all have an imagination for the perfect holidays in our minds, we always imagine our holidays to be festive and the ideal way of celebrating. As we grow up, we learn that holidays in real life differs a lot from our imagination. There could be unexpected situations in our family, friend circle or even in the workplace that will ruin our holidays. We can’t predict tomorrow, so we can only learn to cope with the unexpected situation, appreciate and cherish what or who we have. Let go of what you think should happen and be realistic — sometimes surprises are the reasons why our lives are so interesting. Try out these feng shui tricks that helps you to feel relaxed. 
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Set intentions
One of the reasons why holidays are so intriguing is that we get to enjoy them with our loved ones, along with fantastic meals and festive decorations that make you happier. Before the Christmas chaos starts, Brooke McAlary, author of Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World, suggests that you could have some time to yourself and think about what you want to do in the holidays so you can plan ahead. “Just figuring out what it is that you love about that time of year and putting that at the centre of your plans is a really great way to find perspective.” When you set intentions, you’ll realise that it is much easier to kill time.
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Slow down your schedule
It’s the holiday season and we know you’ll be busy meeting everyone on your friends list. Before the busy season starts, try writing down what you have to do and have it planned out thoroughly throughout the holiday so you don’t have to rush it all at the same time. . We tend to over-schedule ourselves as we want to get things done as soon as possible. Sometimes, they beyond your tolerance and it’s time for your to slow it down and say no to some commitments if that’s what makes you comfortable! We always want to fit the expectations of the others, while neglecting the wellness of our own. If you start thinking more about how you want to treat yourself, the result might surprise you! Here are tips to help you declutter and tidy up your house, so you can enjoy a clean and relaxing holiday at home!
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Plan for me time
As you’re planning your schedule, remember to schedule in a bit of me time every day. It’s important to have some time to yourself., so you won’t feel too tired from catching up from other things. “Me time” will make you feel like you’re in charge of your life again, just know that you don’t have to use your time for people all the time!
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Ask for help
We always want to gather the best for our loved ones in the holiday seasons! If you are a fan of party hosting, don’t put too much pressure on yourself and try seeking for help from friends or family! You can always have a sharing party where everyone brings a dish of their choice or other contributions like liquor, desserts or even decorations like a centrepiece for the table.
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Prepare, then don’t care
When planning meals, aim to prepare dishes that can be left alone in the oven or slow cooker just before dinner rather than ones that requires your full attention. This will allow you to enjoy the party that you throw and you don’t have to spend the night cooking! Sometimes after throwing a party with your friends you will feel drained instead of recharged. If you let yourself enjoy the time, family or friend gatherings will be more interesting than it already is!
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Stop and record memories
We tend to focus too much on preparing for the set and food for parties, while forgetting that the most important part of parties is spending quality time with out loved ones! Years later, you probably won’t remember the taste of the turkey, grilled lamb chop or the expensive wine, but the happiness you had with your loved ones. As the party host, it is easy to forget about letting yourself enjoy the party. You can try setting alarms that reminds you to take a break from cooking and take a look at your friends and family. The cute moments will make the gathering more memorable!
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Make gifts meaningful
Don’t pretend that you’ve never stressed about getting the perfect gift, because I know you do! Getting the perfect gift is difficult and stressful, and sometimes we end up getting people gifts for the sake of gifts rather than catering their needs. You can do lucky draw among yourselves so you will only end up getting one gift instead of having to get a gift for everyone! If you are still having trouble with coming up with a gift, check out this gift guide! Sometimes, a meaningful gift is better than an ordinary materialistic gift, like the 12 envelopes from a grandma! Each envelope is filled with surprises, so when her grand children open the envelopes, they get invitations to adventures!
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Give yourself the gift of relaxation
Take the break that you never knew you needed, I’m sure the result will surprise you! When you feel stressed or overloaded, try doing relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation. You can also try Progressive muscle relaxation, some people find them very useful too! You will split your body into as many sections as you want, then tense and relax for a few seconds. You’ll realised that the tension stored in your muscles are gone.
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Extend the love to the new year
We know that you might be extra busy when it comes to the year end time. Instead of rushing every get-together with your family and friends, try doing them in the new years! January is also a great time for catching up! Know that you are not obligated to meet everyone in the December!