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Stress S.O.S.

All right, we’ve tackled seasonal scams...now, let’s address seasonal stress. No one should feel overwhelmed or overstressed at any time of the year, so here are six quick tips to help you manage your stress through the hectic holidays.

Keep a stress-relieving quote close by to help you remember that stress will not breed success.

Try repeating these words when you feel anxious or if you need a reminder to stop and savor the holiday spirit:

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris 

“One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important.” – Bertrand Russell 

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” – Hermann Hesse 

Tackle one thing at a time.

Sometimes NOT tackling multiple priorities is a matter of survival—and the holiday season can be one of those times. So make a list of one task, complete it and then celebrate your accomplishment. It may make you feel motivated to do another thing, and then something else, without the paralyzing self-induced pressure. 

Put things in writing.

Nothing creates stress like having a blizzard of things you want to do and need to keep track of swirling around in your head. Before you go to bed each night, make a “Top One” list (see the previous tip to put it into action). Add on any other must-do or must-remember items. Then, let the stress go and get some sleep! 

Make sleep a priority.

Building on the last point: Don’t skimp on sleep. Lack of good-quality slumber will make you even more stressed and compromise your ability to do just about anything. Enough said! 

Keep things simple.

Part of managing stress is managing your own expectations. The holidays are steeped in special but stressful traditions. But be honest with yourself: Does anyone really need to bake eight kinds of cookies? Scale down so you can better enjoy the things you do accomplish… and we’d bet your stress will lessen, too. 

Unplug and unwind.

Do you feel guilty if you take a break, even during the holidays? It’s time to give yourself a present and be present. Put your phone away for 10 minutes and do something fun or mindless. Over the next week, increase the length of your break by a few minutes each day, and see if it boosts your productivity. 

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for adults— especially women—to become so stressed that they can’t enjoy the holidays. This year, take our tips to heart and put them into action so you can gift yourself a less stressful schedule that lets you focus on the good times with your favorite people. We have faith that you can make it happen! 

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