Best Ways to Reduce Stress at Christmas

My best way to reduce stress and relax is to do Pilates or Yoga -- which I intend to be doing in 15 minutes! But exercise isn't everyone's best way to reduce stress. Here are a few ideas to help you relax...

Best Ways to Reduce Stress at Christmas

Enjoy a blast from the past. Humor and stress management expert Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant has a ton of unique stress busters up her sleeve! She recommends “blowing bubbles, hula-hooping (which also burns off calories and tones the core at the same time), bouncing on a mini-trampoline while working through problems (it reminds your body and mind that resiliency, the ability to bounce back, is important and often easy), and using a funny handshake when arguments are getting nowhere.

Practice acceptance. Here's a great way to have a positive attitude at Christmas, from my "Quips and Tips for Spiritual Seekers" blog partner, Gini Grey: "Instead of balking at holiday rituals or grimacing in the presence of your least favorite relative, try accepting the situation or person as they are and notice how your mood improves," she says. "Acceptance is simply acknowledging what is instead of resisting reality. It moves you out of judgment and into a place of peace and calm." 

Get enough sunlight – even in winter. If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the winter blues, make sure you’re getting enough light, even if it’s indoor. Consider buying a light box, or research natural ways to lighten the winter blues. Vitamin D and melatonin are both stimulated by sunlight, and they both play roles in improving mood and facilitating sleep. Sunlight can reduce the effects of holiday stress and improve your mood.

Let go of your expectations. Don’t tie yourself down to a particular outcome: giving the best Christmas gifts, having the most beautiful holiday decorations, or cooking the best ham and turkey dinner. The best way to reduce stress at Christmas is to be open to all possible outcomes. Remember that sometimes even the worst possible results or situations can turn out to be better than the ones you originally wanted!

Take time to reconnect with who you are, or your source of strength. If you’re spiritual, make time to connect with God or the source of your spirituality. Stop to say a quick prayer or meditation during your crazy Christmas shopping or decorating rush! Make it a priority to connect to the source of your power – don’t lose yourself in the Christmas craze. Even if you don’t believe in religion or spirituality, take time to ground yourself by spending time alone. This will help make Christmas meaningful.

If you find yourself depressed at Christmastime, read Christmas Depression? 5 Tips for Overcoming the Holiday Blues.

Articles on Saving Money at Christmas

These articles on saving money at Christmas encompass most of my "Quips and Tips" blogs -- including Quips and Tips for Money and Love, of course!

You don't need to spend a lot of money at Christmas to enjoy the season and show your love to family and friends...you just need to use your head. And, start thinking about Christmas shopping early, because waiting until the last minute is a sure-fire way to rack up the credit cards over the holiday season.

10 Ways to Save Money at Christmas – Holiday Gift Shopping Tips - is a great article by the financial experts at Bills.com. There are a few creative ideas there, but others that I wonder about. For instance, they suggest having a "card signing party" as a way to save money at Christmas. I've been avoiding sending Christmas cards because postage is so expensive, opting for an email holiday letter instead. Am I being too cheap?

6 Spiritual Ways to Create Financial Abundance - is about accumulating money more than saving it. I'm including it as an "article on saving money at Christmas" because it focuses on your inner richness and financial abundance. These concepts lead to peace and joy, which is what Christmas is all about!

Christmas Shopping and Saving Money - shares last minute money saving tips, such as giving a cow or goat for Christmas. Perfect for loved ones who have everything!

Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages - shares several Christmas gift ideas that aren't expensive, such as an electric toothbrush (which I'm getting for someone!) and sunglasses with UV ray protection.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Boyfriends - Creative Holiday Gifts - includes several low-cost holiday gift ideas, such as investing in an experience and planning a Christmas Day treasure hunt.

How Do I Pay Off Credit Card Debt? 6 Ways to Get Out of Debt - is for those Christmas shoppers who tried to save money at Christmas, but still wound up in debt!

Gathering these articles makes me think I should write more articles on saving money at Christmas. I don't have enough to choose from. And, I want to get more specific, such as "Saving Money on Christmas Decorations." Good thing writing is my full-time job :-)

If you need gift ideas, read Articles on Christmas - Holiday Gift Ideas -- it's another roundup of Christmas Quips and Tips articles.

Merry Christmas -- and Happy Saving Money at Christmas!!

Articles on Christmas - Holiday Gift Ideas

These articles on Christmas focus on holiday gift ideas -- and I loved writing them, because now I know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas! Shopping slays me at any time of the year, much less at Christmas.

Make your Christmas shopping easy by browsing online -- and start early.

Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages lists eight holiday gifts that revolve around health and fitness. I'm buying my husband the first thing on the list!

Best Video Games for Christmas - Holiday Gifts for Gamers was my favorite article on Christmas to write -- it was a blast! I can't wait to try Donkey Kong Country Returns.

SmartPhones for Christmas - The Best Holiday Gift Phones describes the latest phones. Some aren't out yet, but will be for Christmas.

And my last article on Christmas holiday gift ideas is Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers -- one of my most popular articles on Quips and Tips. Smart students start shopping for holiday gift ideas for their teachers early.

Yup, it's not just smart kids -- smart adults know that the best way to do your Christmas shopping is to start early. This year, I actually know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas AND his birthday (which is a couple weeks before Christmas).

He also mentioned a leaf blower, which makes me want to write more articles about Christmas -- ones that revolve around putting yourself in your loved one's shoes! I'd never, ever want a leaf blower for Christmas. Would you?