'Tis the season... for stressing out. Between frantically buying last-minute Christmas gifts, or trying to decide which giant selection box you're going to munch on next, the festive season can be pretty stressful.
Or, should we say, the STRESS-tive season? We shouldn't. We really shouldn't.
Thankfully though, to make sure that this really is the most wonderful time of the year, JOE have teamed up with
Alka-Seltzer to bring you some top tips to minimise Christmas stress in your home this year.
1. Be prepared
The more preparing you can do in advance, the better. If you are relaxed and stressed the chances are that everyone else will be too. If you’ve got a home full of people enjoying themselves, you’ll have a good time even if the turkey doesn’t defrost, or brussel sprouts are soggy.
2. Prune your action list
Cull your list of chores and ensure that only essential actions make it on to your list.
3. Share the Christmas workload
‘Don’t think it’s a failure to delegate tasks to family and friends. Give people something to do. Not only will it help you it will also make them feel useful and more relaxed too.
4. Cut your gift list
Rein in the present buying. Limit gifts to children only, draw names, or organize a gift exchange.
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5. Set budget for gifts
Set an upper limit to spend on each person including wrapping and delivery costs. Don’t let the budget spiral out of control. If you plan early there are bargains to be had.
6. Focus on the free stuff
Concentrate on the free pleasures of Christmas – making memories and having fun with your children.
7. Indigestion making someone disagreeable?
Keep meals to a manageable size. Heartburn and indigestion from excessive eating doesn’t make for a happy day. Unfortunately our eating habits at Christmas and large fatty meals can take their toll.
9. Take Time for You!
Take time for yourself. Have a mini break from routine to read, take a walk, snooze or simply take a relaxing bath.
10 Make it fun not perfect
‘A lot of people, women especially, try to get everything absolutely right when they’re under stress. Ease off the perfectionism. Spending time with people and having quality time with them is what’s going to make a good Christmas, and that’s what people will remember
Alka-Seltzer® gives you fast relief from headaches, getting you back to being you.
