HIMPower Magazine HimPower December 2017 | Page 31

3. BE REALISTIC
The holidays don't have to be perfect
or just like last year. As families change and
grow, traditions and rituals often change
as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be
open to creating new ones. For example,
if your adult children can't come to your
house, find new ways to celebrate together,
such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
4. SET ASIDE DIFFERENCES
Try to accept family members and
friends as they are, even if they don't live
up to all of your expectations. Set aside
grievances until a more appropriate time for
discussion. And be understanding if others
get upset or distressed when something goes
awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects
of holiday stress and depression, too.
5. STICK TO A BUDGET
Before you go gift and food shopping,
decide how much money you can afford to
spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try
to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.
Try these alternatives:
• Donate to a charity in someone's name.
• Give homemade gifts.
• Start a family gift exchange.
6. PL AN AHEAD
Set aside specific days for shopping,
baking, visiting friends and other activities.
Plan your menus and then make your shop-
ping list. That'll help prevent last-minute
scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients.
And make sure to line up help for party
prep and cleanup.
7. LEARN TO SAY NO
Saying yes when you should say no
can leave you feeling resentful and over-
whelmed. Friends and colleagues will under-
stand if you can't participate in every project
or activity. If it's not possible to say no when
your boss asks you to work overtime, try to
remove something else from your agenda to
make up for the lost time.
8. DON'T ABANDON HEALTHY HABITS
Don't let the holidays become a free-
for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your
stress and guilt.
Try these suggestions:
• Have a healthy snack before holiday
parties so that you don't go overboard
on sweets, cheese or drinks.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Incorporate regular physical activity
into each day.
9. TAKE A BREATHER
Make some time for yourself. Spending
just 15 minutes alone, without distractions,
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