The Difference Between Joyful and Stressful Holidays
Many of us feel like we'll never be able to get there, and they just are lucky souls...
but they aren't.
They have just understood that the key to joyful holidays is in what is done before them, and in being organized with their time and things.
People who experience stressful holiday seasons:
- Do things at the last minute
- Are disorganized
- Accept more commitments than they can reasonably handle
- Experience stress as something that happens to them and they have no control over
- React to things as they come to them.
- Plan ahead for the full season
- Do as much as possible before the end-of-year time crunch sets in
- Are organized
- Are very protective of their time and think twice before accepting commitments at that time of year
- Actively manage their stress, both by eliminating all the sources of stress they can, and having a set stress-releasing routine.
- Are very proactive, taking care of things before they become emergencies
- Take a moment every once in a while to just enjoy the period, the decorations, taking in the love and joy that this season is about.
It's a matter of organization, prioritization and being protective of your time.
When you have your tools, planning and systems in place, the end of year is no different from other periods of time at work, and you have the time to truly enjoy the celebrations and the spirit of the season.
So how do you score on the scale? How many of your habits are inching you toward experiencing stressful holidays, and how many are likely to produce joyful and relaxed ones for you? If you're not a 100% on the side of the people who create a happy experience, not to worry.
Changing your habits to create a joyful holidays experience above is actually fun and enjoyable, and yields results immediately.
There are many resources available to support you in making it happen, such as do-it-yourself programs and one-on-one help such as peaceful productivity consultants.
Simply enter keywords such as "holiday survival", "avoid end of year stress" and "organizing for the holidays" in your favorite search engine to find resources that will help you acquire those skills.