Prevent Stress This Holiday Season

There is always so much pressure and stress around the holidays. We always think we have all this time to buy gifts, make cookies, wrap everything, work, keep the house and kids in order but the reality is that no matter how prepared we are the pressure can add stress to something that should be enjoyable.

With the holidays just two days away I thought it would be good to share some useful tips I found to help me get through the pressures of the season.

• *Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend.  We all set a budget and then at the last minute spend so much money on last minute items!
• *Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.  Plan Plan Plan and stick to the plan! It is ok to not go to every party and gathering. It is ok to pick up dessert instead of making it. You can not do everything all in one day so plan ahead!
•  *Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. We all need a time out. Even if it means just going for a ride or getting a coffee alone. Take the phone off the hook and relax!

*Read more at the Mayo Clinic