Making the Most of the Season
The most joyful time of the year is here and you dread the anticipated exhaustion that inevitably occurs. After all, you have so many things to do, places to be and people to meet and not enough time to do it all. Or is there? Can you enjoy your family, parties, banquets and outdoor activities?
Let's try an organized approach to holiday tasks and events. Begin by listing several categories, such as Gifts, Parties, To Do, Planning, Decorating and whatever other topics come to mind.
Take each category one at at time. For example, Gifts. List sub-topics that could include Possibilities, Gift Item, Store, Deliver, Mail or Store Mailed and Deadline. List everybody for whom you wish to purchase a gift. Perhaps you have some ideas that you could enter under Possibilities. You may wish to ask people for a Wish List to be given to you by a specific date and to include store and item number, if known. If you already know what that gift will be, put it under Gift Item. Then mark appropriately how the gift will be presented. For gifts that need to be ordered or mailed, or for which you have an early party or gathering, be sure to put a deadline date to ensure that you are prepared. Refer to this listing at least on a weekly basis, if not daily to remain on top of it.
Calendar marking is a must, so nothing gets missed. Once you have your Gift Item deadline dates put them on the calendar.
Parties are another calendar item and be sure to include time, place, attire, etc. If you are hosting a party, you may find it best to have an assistant or several assistants. There is the Guest List to prepare; Invitations to purchase or design; Menu to select; Caterer to arrange; perhaps there's a Venue and/or other items to rent, such as tables, chairs, tablecloths, place settings, glasses, etc.; Arrange for anything that needs to be picked-up and returned; Decorations; Setting-up for party; Guests greeting and serving, and clean-up following event. The best means of maintaining order for such an undertaking is to either prepare a notebook with dividers for each topic/task or to set up a file with sub-files in your computer.
To Do lists could be attached to your calendar. Examples could be schedule hair appointment, nails and/or spa; people to telephone for assistance; addresses to gather; perhaps your automobile requires inspection or servicing; doctors' appointments need to be scheduled and the various organizations to which you belong may have their special needs to note.
Decorations can be a pleasant or an overwhelming task depending upon the approach. If you prefer extensive decorating, either hire someone to do it for you or prepare a plan and invite others to join you for a Decorating Party. You would have arranged for the purchase of any new items or the retrieval from storage of current ones.
Naps are important, even if only for fifteen to twenty minutes, when you're under such stress and pressure. They rejuvenate the body and clear the mind. If it means noting them on your calendar or on your To Do list, then do so. They are important in order for you to enjoy the season instead of feeling rushed, stretched beyond your limit and stressed. A good night's sleep is equally as important. At least six hours and preferably eight hours will fuel your body to get through all your tasks.
Healthy eating habits are vital to maintaining your energy level. The fewer the sweets and complex carbohydrates, the better. Graze on fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat cheese, yogurt, chicken and fish. Besides, by eating nutritiously throughout the day, you won't feel so guilty indulging at events.
Above all, practice some form of meditation or relaxation exercises to remain focused and de-stressed. There are CD's, DVD's and videos in the stores and libraries from which you can select those that you find to be relaxing. When you feel yourself tense up, repeat the mantra, "relax, relax, relax" or some other such word to which your body can respond accordingly.
Happy Holiday Season.
