YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health YMCA SUMMER 2020 | Page 15

to take some of the stress off your plate.
Communicate openly with family and friends
about what your challenges are, and how they
can help: considered time and thought on who you want
to give a gifts to, and budget accordingly.
Remember that it really is the thought that goes
into the present that matters!
} } Ask for volunteers or set up a roster in the
family for cleaning and maintenance tasks.
} } Menu plan in advance for events, and tell
people what they can cook or bring.
} } Write out a running sheet for summer and
festive events, so that everyone knows what
is expected of them, and by when.
} } Can you shop online and save yourself from
the dreaded shopping centre car parks?
} } Write a list of gifts you need to buy, and try to
keep it simple (think about group gifts and
delegating, Kris Kringles, vouchers or even
agreeing not to buy gifts at all). 4. Create a time and energy budget
You can’t control everything this time of year,
but it helps a lot to have a plan! 5. It’s actually okay to say “no”!
2. Acknowledge that you are still in control
of your daily routine
It might sound boring, but it’s true. Sleep,
exercise, and good nutrition are such an
important part of your effective management of
life throughout the year, so why would you
throw that out the window when you need it the
most? Focus on the most effective long-term
self-care strategies, such as getting regular
exercise, and eating five serves of vegetables
each day. These type of self-care activities are
a lot more effective in the big picture than
expensive day spa treatments.
3. Create a budget for spending on presents
and entertaining
Spending can be fun and pretty easy in the lead
up to gift giving and entertaining, but it can also
cause a lot of unnecessary stress when the
credit card bills come in. Instead of going all out
with extravagant last minute gifts, spend some
This is super important if in the past you have
over-committed, run out of time and fallen in a
stressed out heap in the silly season. Learn
from your experience that burning the candle at
both ends will always catch up with you
eventually. Remember that in addition to your
usual workload, you’re likely to be invited to a
multitude of functions and extra catch-ups
during December. Make sure this budget
includes down time where you don’t have to be
“achieving” and can fit in the day-to-day
self-care activities that will serve you well.
Think about prioritising people who are
present and important in your life, all the way
from January to November (rather than those
who surface in December claiming that you
“simply have to” catch up for Christmas).
Learn how to say “thanks so much for the
invitation, but I’m afraid I can’t make it this
year”. Be firm and send clear messages, rather
than stretching yourself thin. Remember, your
aim is to enjoy the festive season, not just
survive it.
6. Examine your expectations going into
Christmas
Do you have clear expectations of what you
want your festive season experience to look
like, as well as expectations of what might
actually happen? Have a look at past evidence
– what has this time of year looked like before?
Stressful? If you’d prefer a change, get onto it!
You can’t expect things to change without
some intent and action, so be proactive and
communicate clearly with those around you.
SUMMER 2020 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE
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