5 Stress Reduction Techniques To Avoid Burnout

Although the following stress reduction techniques really come in to their own
during the festive season when stress depression and anxiety can make this
season anything but merry, Here's 5 stress reduction techniques to help you
avoid burnout not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year.

* Lower your expectations. The holidays are so exciting! Being with loved
ones, Christmas decorations, lights, presents and much feasting! As the holiday
approaches, expectations increase as to how the holiday will be only for them to
be dashed when the holidays arrive. So, try not to place high expectations on how
events will unfold. Always expect the unexpected and remember that humans
can react unpredictably and surprisingly. Also, life can throw us the odd curve
ball, especially when we least want it, so just have a "what will be will be" attitude
and hopefully, the holidays will be perfect. Avoiding high expectations means you
won't become stressed out or upset should things not turn out the way you wanted.

* Plan ahead. Make a detailed plan for all of the things you need to do. Be thorough
and try to do as much in advance as possible. The more you can get done before
the holidays the less stressful the season will be. Include shopping, decorations,
wrapping, meal preparation, sending cards, visiting family, and a schedule for
the big day. This will help you get organized so you'll get more done and you'll feel
less stressed. Make checklists so you can mark progress as you go. Another great
stress reduction technique is to have a backup plan in case things go awry.

* Delegate. There's a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure happy holidays.
The Christmas dinner alone really can be hard work for the cook! Too much work
leads to stress burnout so make sure the whole family share the workload.
Delegate by sharing chores amongst the whole family and get children involved
too. It's true - many hands make light work - and also makes one of the very best
stress reduction techniques too!

* As much as the holidays are about spending time with family, having the family
over can be highly stressful. Not all families get along, and stress levels can soar
at get-togethers. If you have family members who are unappreciative,
argumentative, aggressive, sulky - the kind of people who will spoil the day,
then say "no!" and don't invite them. The holidays are about joy and happiness,
so inviting people who will ruin everyone's day isn't on. But a sense of duty can
lead to inviting someone around against your better judgement. Your only duty is
to your immediate family - your spouse and your children - not to any other
family members. If your family get along, fine, but if you know there's going to be
fireworks, then make everyone's day by not having stress as an unwanted holiday
guest.

* Set your budget and stick to it. Perhaps this is the most important stress
reduction techniques here. It's really tempting to spend money during the holidays
and many people will rack up huge debts doing so. The debt then becomes a major
stress factor after the holidays have ended. You don't need to buy people expensive
gifts and you don't need to go into debt to impress people. The Internet is a fantastic
source for finding creative and imaginative gifts that will give the receiver a highly
valued special surprise because it shows thoughtfulness. Debt is to stress what
pizzas are to waistlines and you can pay a heavy price for impressing people with
gifts. Stick to your budget and you will reduce stress, not just over the holidays but
for many months after.