7 Simple Tips for a Stress-Free, Happy Holiday Season.
Friday, December 18th, 2009
The holiday season is well under way. And so many are already experiencing full blown stress with the season barely underway. With holiday shopping, gift wrapping. Setting up the tree. Organizing parties for co-workers, school or church groups, with dozens of details to be attended to, it’s easy to see why overwhelm can quickly set in.
We’re all guilty of thinking every holiday season must be perfect. Every detail done exactingly to pass muster with family, friends. Especially if you haven’t seen them in a while. Then things must truly be done to perfection. Regardless of how agitated, irritated. Or just plain exhausted you become.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed fast when you press yourself for that perfection. Especially when your plans must be accomplished in a short time.
Here’s 7 simple organization tips to help eliminate stress this holiday season.
1. Write down everything you want to do.
Then review the list and cross off anything which can’t be sensibly completed on time and properly. Make a second list of things others can complete for you. Make a new list of what you’ve determined you can do, what and who you’re assigning to others. It’s much easier to complete things on a list than trying to remember them. Trying to pull them out of thin air when you’re up to your ankles in alligators.
2. Set mini - goals.
Break down larger goals into smaller, easy-to-complete goals. Thinking about gathering co-workers together for a holiday party? Determine who can attend. Decide on an appropriate place to gather. Get a menu in advance and share it with co-workers. Decide how to handle payment and gratuities. Will gifts be exchanged. When you set mini-goals you’ll be surprised how quickly things successfully come together.
3. Don’t be afraid to enlist help if you need it.
When it comes to holiday or family gatherings people often don’t want to call upon others to help. Thinking, perhaps, things won’t go as they plan farming them out to others. If you have your list of goals, know what you want and explain it simply, helpers can easily complete your goals. Remember to call upon those you can depend on.
4. Starting to work on a project? Clear the area of unnecessary items so you can focus?
Nothing’s worse than sitting down in the midst of clutter to start a new project. Not only is it hard to keep things straight, how can you keep tools you need to complete your project organized and accessible? Clear your work area of clutter and you’d be surprised how fast you can move forward.
5. Having a large gathering? You may want to organize a file folder with the necessary info.
May sound crazy, but when you’re expecting 10-12 guests for dinner, or more - or organizing a party of co-workers - a file folder, or two, will help keep everything organized and easily accessible. Your lists of attendees, gift list - and more - can be dropped into your file folder and carried with you if necessary for easy reference.
6. Set simple time limits for projects.
For instance you plan to food and wine or gift shop Friday evening. Allot yourself 2-3 hours to comfortably complete your shopping and return home with ample time to put things away before heading to bed or taking in your favorite tv show. Plan to make calls during free moments in your day so you have plenty of reason to keep them short. Order online when you can.
7. Make time to relax.
You have your plans made, set some time limits. That said, you need to set some time aside to relax and regroup. Make yourself take a break. Sit down and have a cup of coffee or tea. Spend 45 minutes relaxing and you’ll catch your ’second wind’. And be much better prepared to successfully tackle the next group of plans.
One last thing…..
Don’t let the need for perfection turn what should be a happy season into a agonizing one. Nip stress in the bud using these simple organizing tips and you’ll likely have a far more relaxed, joyful season with family and friends. One you can look back on with fond memories. Even if it wasn’t perfect!
Jean L. Serio - has 35 years experience in business, working for 4 top retail corporations. Plus has started up and managed 8 of her businesses. Developed several highly successful sales and customer service programs. Jean helps women start up their own successful business. She is the founder and Executive Director of Womens Marketing and Business network. Get more info at:www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com
