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'Tis the Season
for Planning Wisely
Rutherford
Publishing, Inc.
Reprinted with permission
from Tyme Management™
There's no time like
the holidays for stretching your schedule to the limit. With so many
additional holiday "goodies" to put on your "plate" of
activities, it can be easy to get stressed out and worn out. As at any
other time of year, the key to handling a demanding schedule is learning
how to plan and prioritize your time. Here are some strategies for
handling the holidays successfully:
Have a plan.
Schedule specific times in your planner for holiday activities, such as
shopping, baking, gift preparation, decorating, volunteering, visiting
friends and attending events. Determine which activities will require
advanced preparation, such as getting a baby-sitter for a party or mailing
packages early to arrive in time.
Keep first things
first. Prioritize your list of activities, and drop the ones of lesser
importance. If spending time with loved ones is a priority, decline some
invitations, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy being at home with
them. Or, if baking treats takes too much of your time, simply buy some
instead.
Be realistic.
Trying to be and do everything will only wear you out. Say "yes"
to a few commitments and "no" to the rest. Avoid expecting to
have the best holiday of your life. If you're content to enjoy a less than
picture-perfect holiday, you'll take a lot of pressure off of yourself and
others.
Maintain your
budget. You don't have to spend a fortune or go into debt to enjoy the
season. Establish ahead of time how much money you have to work with for
holiday expenses such as gifts, postage, travel and entertainment, and
stay within your limit.
Stick to healthy
habits. Continue exercising regularly to relieve stress and gain
energy. Indulge in your favorite holiday dishes in moderation, and eat a
balance of healthy foods as well. Get plenty of sleep, and talk to someone
about any feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety you experience.
Include personal
time. Allow yourself enough time away from the hustle and bustle to
relax and reflect. Count the things that you're thankful for, and take
time to think about what the holiday season means to you.
Copyright © 2000
Rutherford
Publishing, Inc. produces newsletters that help individuals and
organizations discover how to take positive actions in key areas of their
lives and to encourage people to use more of their potential. The
newsletters include: Total Wellness®, Tyme Management™, The Total
Leader™, and The Total Person™. For information contact rpublish@rpublish.com
or call (800) 815-2323 or visit their website at http://www.rpublish.com/.
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