There is no
denying the fact that we have to work harder and longer
just to stay where we are. In other words, we have less
and less
time
to relax and
be with our
loved ones. Not only does this produce guilt, we also
suffer
from stress that can result in all kinds of health
complications. Time Management expert Maria Woytek of
Day-Timers has the following tips to get out of this
madness, which becomes even worse during the holiday
season:
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Don’t
try to do it all. Pick-and-choose holiday activities. One
solution: gather everyone in the household at a family
meeting. Each person should prioritize to decide which
events you will all go to together, which events you may
attend in smaller groups or separately and which events
you will pass on for this year. (Related:
How to prepare for Christmas)
Note
all holiday events you’re attending on your calendar in
pen. Pencil in all alternate activities so if one event
drops out you’ll be aware of other options available to
you and your family. Also schedule time for other holiday
to-dos like
shopping days (at the store or
online outlets), decorating, baking, and more. This
will help the entire family stay up-to-date on what others
in the family have planned — and you’ll accomplish things
too. |
 Make a holiday
to-do list to be sure everything during the holiday season
is covered, from having a holiday card for each important
person in life, to remembering to ship
presents to faraway family and friends in time for
holiday delivery. (Related:
Romantic holidays)
Create
a list of chores together so each person in the household
can choose how they will contribute to holiday season
preparations. When someone has volunteered to pick out
holiday cards and another to string popcorn for the tree,
while someone is buying grandma’s gift and another is
wrapping and mailing the
gifts to
long distance relatives, it helps take the pressure
off of one person as well as giving everyone a chance to
be involved. (Related:
Holiday planning)
A
planner is the chief tool in your organizational
arsenal. Planning equals
doing!
In your daily planner, specifically write down the
activities you want to participate in throughout
the holidays. (Related:
Office holiday party tips)
Be
sure to keep your home and office clutter-free (How
to declutter).
Cargo storage boxes come in a wide variety of
sizes which will keep CDs, DVDs, tapes,
photos,
magazines, catalogs, crafts, supplies, sewing,
mementos, catalogs and mail all in order. Clutter
can slow you down by distracting you from what you
really should be doing — a needless distraction
during the busy holiday season. (Related:
How to organize your closets and
Home decoration during the holidays)
In order to be
best prepared for holiday activities, organize all
necessary items the night before. If there is a family
gathering on Sunday and you plan to bring a baked dish,
making it on Saturday will ease the pressure on the day of
the event. (Related:
How to cook for a party)
Shop
early to help avoid the last minute rush. Online and
catalog shopping will help cut-down the amount of time
spent in the
department stores as well as allowing you to stay away
from the crowds. This will also leave more time in your
schedule in the days surrounding the holidays.
Before
going to the store to shop — whether it be for gifts or
the holiday turkey — never leave without a list. List
making – although it seems like a no- brainer -- is
essential in assuring that you won’t waste time by
forgetting things or over-buying. Make sure to include
clothing sizes, ages, and preferences in your gift list.
(Related:
Healthy eating during holidays)
The
holidays are about spending time with loved ones in a
relaxing and leisurely way; so don’t forget to schedule
time for just that. This time can be overwhelming and
hectic, but without having some time to relax it can lead
to over-exhaustion. Plan to schedule alone time at the
spa
or
meet a friend for coffee.
Recommended articles:
Looking good in the holiday season
Holiday style tips
Dating during the holiday season
How to balance work and family
How to become rich |
