This can be a very stressful time for all of us – managers, employees, our relatives and friends. The main aim is to ensure that you are well organised and plan in plenty of time for a Stress free Christmas.
Here are some suggestions to help or to think about:
- Make a list of all the people you need to buy for and list what you are going to buy for them. Better to plan ahead as this can be extremely stressful if you don’t know what you want to buy or forget some members of the family you need to buy for.
- Shop if possible well before Christmas and have a clear idea of where you want to shop.
- Take a break in-between shopping and have a cup of tea, fruit juice or water and ensure that you are having plenty of fluids and sustenance to keep hydrated and to maintain energy levels.
- Let the bus or train take the strain instead of taking the car and having problems parking the car or try ‘park and ride’.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as this can cause you to feel sore, hot and bothered which in turn leads to feeling under pressure.
- If you are not sure what to buy someone, get a gift voucher as almost every shop has got them available or buy online.
- Can’t find anything suitable, then check online when you go home.
- Go with a friend or relative and enjoy the experience – let them go for their presents and then meet up for a break at a specific time. This helps both of you to get what YOU want to buy.
- Many shops offer a complimentary gift-wrapping service and this is a great stress-reliever, so use it and some ask for a donation to a charity which is a great way of giving to someone else at Christmas.
- Remember to enjoy yourself and take some time to relax.
- Order all your food well in advance of Christmas and pick up from the shop – this is a free service and great to use.
- If you start to feel panicky at any time, then slow your breathing down – in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this for a few minutes, and then carry on or just feel more relaxed and head for home and a long, relaxing soak in the bath and a fragranced candle and soft music in the background.
Jessica Smyrl is the founder of consultancy and training provider, Your Stress Management.
