How to Destress from the Holiday Hustle and Bustle

Christmas might be over, but we’ve still got New Years and family events still. There are still so many demands for your time. Parties with colleagues, friends, and family can place additional demands on your schedule. Ever just want to just go and hide away for a month?

Here are 6 ways for you to destress from the holiday hustle and bustle.

1. The only way you’re going to get a break is if you force yourself to take one. If you’re at the mall stop at a coffee shop for a drink and a treat. You deserve it. This will give you a breather, until you have to go out into the maddening crowd again.
2. Designate one day to order take out food. Your family can’t expect you to cook a fabulous meal for every day in December and then into January. Take a break and get some pizza or Chinese food. They won’t care as long as they get fed.
3. Delegate, delegate, and delegate. Have your partner take over with the meal planning for a day or two. Have your teenage kids be responsible for some of the meals. If you end up with grilled cheese, or waffles, that’s okay, at least they tried, and everyone was still fed.
4. Don’t just delegate meals. Even young kids can help with the tidying up of the living room, or carrying the trash outside. Assign small tasks to everyone, so you have only the adult responsibilities left on yours.
5. Consider downsizing the gifts and party decor/menu. Most people go overboard on the presents, only to regret it once the bills start arriving in January. Many economists have noted that in the past few years store sales have been down, because people are cutting back. Many couples don’t bother exchanging gifts any more. Holidays are more important to the kids, and they don’t care how much cash you spend on them as long as they get cool gifts that they can brag about to their friends. The same goes for the parties you’re hosting! There are so many things you can do yourself for decor! While that might put an additional demand on your time, it will ease the strain on your wallet… the choice is up to you!
6. Don’t be afraid to say no. Sure, you’ve gone to that party every year for the last ten. Will it be so bad if you say no this year? Perhaps it’s a time to stay at home and spend with family. After all, it should be time with family and making new memories that are at the top of your list!

When the Holidays are all said and done, don’t be afraid to just take a day off… Stay home, stay in your jammies and ignore the never ending to do list! You worked hard this holiday season, you deserve a day off to destress from the holiday hustle and bustle!