The holidays are supposed to be fun and relaxing, stuffed with quality family time, but with all the stress of buying gifts, parties, and traveling, you might see this season a little different. Whether you are worried about money, crossing everybody off your gift list or sending out your vacation cards, there never appears to be enough time to get everything done.
But the season does not must evoke feelings of stress and anxiety. When you focus on all the happiness the seasons bring, you can get back to enjoying the vacations.
Here are some tips to help you beat the numerous vacation stressors and enjoy this time of year:
Organized.
Never underestimate the power of list making and planning. Use a planner or your phone to keep track of all the tasks and events on your to-do list. Crossing items as you go will help keep your stress levels under control.
Avoid taking on debt.
Money worries are one of the biggest vacation stressors, but that doesn’t suggest you must go into debt. By planning and sticking to a budget, you can easily avoid overspending. Decide what you can really afford to pay for with your regular bills and expenses and do not overlook easy ways to find “hidden” money in unforeseen places. Collect all of your coins from your coat pocket and jars around the house and take them to the Coinstar kiosk where you can convert your coins to cash or a no-fee eGift Card. Also make sure to check your wallet for gift cards you may never use, as the bright yellow Coinstar Exchange kiosks offer instant cash when you sell gift cards and are conveniently located in grocery stores.
Be realistic.
You can only attend so many parties and events in a given amount of time, so do not overdo it. You haven’t got to host the perfect vacation or please every member of your family. Instead, focus on the vacation traditions and events that mean the most to you. If family events tend to overwhelm you, remember it is okay to set time limits for any events or visits.
Take some time for yourself.
Sixty-six percent of vacation shoppers can name at least one thing they’re willing to do to make sure they can afford gifts for everybody, including eating less, spending less on entertainment and taking on credit card debt, according to the Coinstar Vacations survey conducted by Kelton Research. Try not to take fun activities out of your budget, if you can. Treat yourself to dinner and an occasional movie to keep yourself sane while the stressors build up.
Be active.
Stick to your normal exercise routine and ensure to get out and move. Regular exercise reduces feelings of anxiety, releases endorphins and improves the quality of your sleep, which you can take advantage of during the vacations. And even although it may be dark for most of the day, take a couple of minutes outside or sit by a window on specifically sunny days.
When you incorporate these tips into your routine, it is going to be easier for you to enjoy all the fantastic things that come with the vacation season. And rather than collapsing with relief at the end of the season, you will carry that calm, positive momentum into the New Year.
