Tips to Reduce Stress....

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Just wanted to share this great email that I received at work:

25 tips to beat holiday stress

If the thought of upcoming holidays fill you with dread, you're not alone.
Many people get stretched pretty thin this time of year by money and social obligations.

Here are 25 ways to keep your sleigh on track this season.

1.Set realistic expectations. Things aren't going to go perfectly and that's ok. You can't control every outcome, but you can prepare yourself mentally by visualizing your calm, positive response to negative events.

2.Get moving. It's not the chores, shopping, and Uncle Stanley's visit that's stressing you out – it's your anticipation of them! Act now by creating a to-do list, and tackle one or two items per week through the holidays.

3.Avoid the shotgun approach. You'll accomplish more by tackling one thing at time and giving it your full attention.

4.Budget your holiday expenditures. Set per person limits on gift giving and stick to them. Don't overlook special outlays for travel, decorations, food and entertainment.

5.Pay as you go. Charging your purchases may delay your bills, but knowing they're waiting for you in January increases stress.
6.Play to your strengths. Utilize what you have the most of – time, money, or creativity.

7.Pare down on gift giving. For extended family and social groups, suggest each person give just one gift by drawing names out of a hat.
8.Cut your costs. Give inexpensive but thoughtful gifts like homebaked goods or hand-made photo albums. Bundling several small items around a theme provides a low cost, personal touch.

9.Don't lose the meaning. If consumerism has you down, check out for awhile with inspirational literature and reconnect with what makes the holidays special and important.

10.Participate in reaffirming activities. Spend time at church and in your community with like-minded people.

11.Take some time off work. Don't cram all errands and shopping trips into the precious little time you have outside work hours. Avoiding the weekend crowds will allow you to get more done.

12.Do a solo power shopping event. Turbo charge your efficiency by avoiding distractions and competing agendas.

13.Take advantage of the internet. Find great unique and inexepsive gifts online. Most sites offer free shipping for the holidays.

14.Ask for help. If you're playing host, assign chores and duties to your spouse and children.

15.Cheer loves company. Combine household holiday prep with socializing. Ask some friends over for a baking and gift wrapping party.

16.Lighten your cooking duties. It's perfectly acceptable to cook a main course and ask dinner guests to bring a side.

17.Get on the same page with family. Come to a consensus on what activities are most important and cut out the extras that add work and scheduling pressure.

18.Recruit a child wrangler. Kids underfoot can add to the stress of big events. Designate one adult to organize games and fun activities in a confined space.

19.Avoid isolation. The holidays can be a depressing time for those who've lost loved ones. Get out of the house whenever possible and reconnect with old friends.

20.Help someone who needs you. Nothing melts away personal troubles like helping someone else overcome theirs.

21.Pass down wisdom and tradition. Instead of mourning the passing of better times, keep those memories alive by sharing them with the next generation.

22.Review your life priorities. Combat your hectic schedule by reassessing what matters the most to you.

23.Forgive someone. Let go of past resentments to make room for future happiness.

24.Make a gratitude list. Review it whenever you're feeling depressed, anxious, depressed or stressed out.

25.Take a time out. Indulge in things youstopped doing because you just don't have time for anymore like a long lunch or a night out with friends.

Source: 2008 EAPtools.com E090

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BLESSEDNFL 12/3/2008 4:42PM

Great tips! I loved what you have on you spark page too. Wanda Report Inappropriate Comment

MAURIZIA 12/2/2008 11:09AM

Wanda, okay I probably suffer from 95% of those!! :) Thanks for sharing...tonight I will enter my to-do list on our challenge...before it gets any longer!!! Hugs, Maurizia Report Inappropriate Comment

December 01 ...Yikes! 24 days to Christmas!

Monday, December 01, 2008

We have the most unusual weather, it was +6 this morning at 5:30 when I went to work! We have no snow(it all melted) and winds that are blowing like crazy. It is supposed to start getting colder though and then we should start seeing some snow. As much as I'm loving not having to drive in the snow, we really do need the moisture.
Seven more days til our Kaeli is home. Count down is on! lol

So I've decided that the green color that I painted the powder room is just not working in that room. It has a very yellowy tinge to it. Maybe it's the lighting, which we will be changing or maybe is the fact that there is no window in the room. I'm thinking I'm going to get Q to change out the light fixture first on the weekend and then if I still don't like it, I'll paint it either the Harbor mist color we have on the other walls or I'll pick up the blue from my computer room and try that. Actually...I'll get Garry to paint it....as the fumes really get to me! Oh, is he ever going to be "pleased" with me! I'll have to make him a special supper!

My positives:
Feeling more connected to my outer world today.
More books on hold for me at the library....yay, more reading! lol
Heard from Shirl and she and her family are coping.
My December "to do" list is made, now I've only got to start ticking off the dones!
My Spark family who motivate me to keep going. Thank you.
So many blessings in my day, from the brief smiles to the hugs and everything in between.

Have a wonderfully blessed evening,

Hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WANDAH3 12/2/2008 6:02PM

(giggling) Marla, I really like most shades of green too, but still not sure about this one. I'm thinking I'll wait until we get the light fixture changed to see if that makes a difference, but the yellowy tinge just isn't working! lol. I'll let you know what the verdict is. lol Report Inappropriate Comment

MARLA7 12/2/2008 7:57AM

Wanda - On behalf of all the green paint in the world... I must defend it. Or as Kermit the Frog sings: "It's not that easy being green Having to spend each day the color of the leaves When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow, or gold Or something much more colorful like that." "But green's the color of spring And green can be cool and friendly-like And green can be big like a mountain Or important like a river Or tall like a tree." Ok, Kermit.... you got your point across! Now... as for Garry repainting OVER the green... a sad situation indeed. Just think of your room as spring-like during those awful harsh snowstorms... use your imagination! Put some ivy on the vanity, hang a picture of a pansy up. I have a picture of a Violet hanging in mine. I collect Violet's! My Mom's name was Violet!! Ok... it's your powder room so I'll hush now. Just wanted you to know that GREEN is BEAUTIFUL! Grass, leaves, FROGS , Christmas trees, LUCKY Shamrocks are green! Besides, if you didn't know before, you do now, it's yours truly's favorite color of all time! Yeah on Kaeli coming home soon! Love you, Marla Report Inappropriate Comment

MAURIZIA 12/2/2008 7:21AM

Wanda, don't you just dislike it when that happens? My bathroom color was supposed to be a light lemon...and I came home to neon lemon!!! YIKES! Luckily with my new hand painted framed mirror, a painting I bought for the bathroom, and ivory towels, it helped tone it down enough to live with it. Shhhh...I won't tell Garry that he might be painting it again. I LOVE books! Just picked up a new P.D. James mystery - She's handsdown my fave! Can't wait to start it tonight! Hugs! Maurizia Report Inappropriate Comment

KSNICKER 12/1/2008 9:50PM

Brrrrr my friend... +6 sounds pretty cold... lol it was 76 degrees here today... How exciting that Kaeli will be home soon... Hope you get that bathroom handles the easy way... but it sounds like you'll be having it repainted... lol I'm off to check off some things on my to do list... It's been a busy day for me again... Have a great evening... ((hugs)) Kathy Report Inappropriate Comment

ALFREDIA 12/1/2008 9:16PM

Wanda It's hard for me to imagine the weather you get up there. We had snow flurries this morning briefly. We get a few snowfalls but not usually very many. I do enjoy them but am glad the snow doesn't stay around long. I know you'll be happy to have Kaeli back home again. So nice Garry is in for a treat getting to paint. LOL Marie Report Inappropriate Comment

November 30th

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Thought this was a great picture indicating the Christmas season count down to getting things done!

Garry's Mom's birthday today...Happy Birthday!
We spent the day, slowly getting motivated to accomplish some chores around the house and building up to actually getting alot accomplished.
Garry is putting all new door trim and baseboards on in the hall way, I tackled the powder room and got it all painted. Will have to do more touch ups once we put in the new vanity and light fixture, but that is another day. So the bathroom has gone from an ugly purply pink color to a sage green color. Not really sage green, but close. With all the white fixtures and cupboards it should look pretty good. We went to Canadian Tire store to check out vanities and sinks, did find a super special on a new vanity light fixture....50% off and one left! Woo Hoo. Now I just have to rope Quin into installing if for me.
Spent some quiet time too. Working on some inner spirit things. Feeling a bit more rested and ready to connect with the world again. Yay me!

My Positives:
Took some time to focus inward.
Got the powder room painted, soon it will be put back together when the paint has cured some.
Garry making great progress on all the trim work in the hallway.
A super sale on a new light fixture for the powder room.
Although we didn't do any of the Christmas decorating that we had planned for this weekend, I'm okay with that. We'll get it handled over the next few days.

Check out the new challenged for next week and don't forget to share your positives with the rest of us.

Many hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARLA7 12/1/2008 7:30PM

Wanda - You're way too ambitious for me! LOL I'm chillin' and taking things slow & easy nowadays. I'm waiting a couple of weeks before decorating. Hopefully I'll do it some night when the girls stay so they can help. Sounds like you're spiffin' your place up nicely. Love, Marla Report Inappropriate Comment

MAURIZIA 12/1/2008 4:13PM

Wanda, I love that picture! Good for you for getting that painting done! I need to get motivated to start that job at my apartment. Hugs, Mauri Report Inappropriate Comment

KSNICKER 12/1/2008 2:05PM

Wanda, WTG on getting the Power room painted... That color sounds very nice... And I'm glad that you found some time for you as well... That is so important... I love your picture... I actually went shopping today and got a small Fiber Optic tree to use this year instead of setting up a big one... It will be easier to move it... lol Hope your day is going well... ((hugs)) Kath y Report Inappropriate Comment

Saturday November 29

Saturday, November 29, 2008

I haven't blogged for the past couple of days, instead I've been listening to my body and getting some much needed rest. It's been a tough week at work and I've been pushing myself to accomplish what needed to be done. As a result, I've been very tired. The past couple of nights I've just listened to what my body wanted and that was sleep! This morning I was supposed to go to my Yoga class, but woke up late and decided...nope, I'm not going to start my day off by rushing to get somewhere. Instead, I'll just spend some time catching up on SP.

This afternoon, Shy and I are heading into the city to attend a big craft sale. I've never been to this one before and we are looking forward to going, possibly buying something or at the very least getting some good ideas to create our own.

My positives:
My work week is finally over!
A craft sale to go to today.
Got some much needed sleep.
Talked to Kaeli on the phone and her parcel that I sent Sept 29 finally arrived.
Even though I'm not going to Yoga this morning, I will get some exercise with walking today.
I have a new day to create and learn in.
God who loves me unconditionally.

Have a wonderfully blessed Silly Saturday.

Hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

POLLY20 11/29/2008 7:23PM

Dearest Wanda, From time to time it's a good thing to find some comfort when it's needed the most.. I know that we are always pushing, but finally you were hearing the message that was sent to you.. Glad that the parcel finally arived.. Walking at the craft show was a great form of exercisie & Your Fam is so blessed to have a Mom as wonderful as you..Garry feels the love as well.. Love & Hugs Always Polly Report Inappropriate Comment

KSNICKER 11/29/2008 3:40PM

Glad that you have been listening to your my friend... It knows what's best... Think I will do the same... Have fun at the Craft Show... ((hugs)) Kath y Report Inappropriate Comment

MARLA7 11/29/2008 3:19PM

Wanda - I've been listening to my body too and it's telling me to slow down & rest which I've been doing. I apologize for being MIA but my week caught up with me & I was just overly exhausted. I'm sure you understand since you're in teh same boat. We'll get our second wind and be flying around again soon! Love ya, Marla Report Inappropriate Comment

BABSDOTTER 11/29/2008 10:49AM

Too often we ignore the signals our body gives us. Glad you didn't. The body is sometimes smarter than the brain. Have fun at the craft fair. Janet Report Inappropriate Comment

November 26

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with family and friends, rejoice over all the blessings that you have.

My positives:

Friends who seem to always know just what I need. Thank you.
Having assistance with dealing with a difficult situation at work.
Opportunity to relax tonight and enjoy just being.
Payday today....yay!
God in my life, who gives me strength and helps me to be all that He created me to be.
Although I'm very tired tonight, I know that it is just a result of mental stress from the day and that with God's leading I am letting it go and He is taking care of it.

Have an absolutely wonderful evening, keep on smiling and enjoying life.

Hugs,
Wanda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARLA7 11/27/2008 8:02AM

Wanda - Thank you for being my friend. I'm very thankful for your friendship today. Love you, Marla Report Inappropriate Comment

LMSW55 11/27/2008 7:45AM

Wandah, my your holiday be full of joy and peace. I too, had payday yesterday! Yippee! Mary Report Inappropriate Comment

MAURIZIA 11/27/2008 7:26AM

Thank you, Wanda, for taking the responsibility of our team...and more importantly, thank you for being the inspiration to all of us. G-d works in such strange ways and I, for one, am grateful He uses the internet! :) Just a simple thanks today, Maurizia Report Inappropriate Comment

KSNICKER 11/26/2008 8:42PM

Wanda, You always showing me the way... I need to remember to let go and let God more... I could use the help... lol Thanks my friend... Hope you rest well tonight... ((hugs)) Kathy Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTIE*CHEENA 11/26/2008 8:08PM

Wanda thanks for always being so kind. You are a true friend! I hope you have a great evening. always be true, corine Report Inappropriate Comment

NJMATTICE 11/26/2008 8:05PM

Coming to read about your day has given me smiles. I am very blessed to have you as a friend. Enjoy your evening. Love, Nancy Report Inappropriate Comment

POLLY20 11/26/2008 7:54PM

Wanda, Thanks for always sharing all of your energy with all of us.. I feel your Positive Love all the way here in MA.. Love & Hugs My Dear Sweet Sis..Always Polly Report Inappropriate Comment