Ask Erin | Stress-Free December

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | [email protected]

The holidays welcome fun, food, and family time, but it can also usher in a feeling of dread and stress. That dread and stress can lead to wasted time, wasted money, and lost memories. The good news is that you can say bye-bye to stress and hello to a calm, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Below is my checklist of steps to ensure a stress-free December!

• Go ahead and create a few outfits that make you feel beautiful and stylish. Set them aside for the upcoming get togethers and parties. One will for sure pop up out of the blue, but you will feel prepared and unbothered.  

• Start tracking your water intake. As you already know, getting the appropriate amount of water daily is extremely important!  It will keep your energy up, curb your appetite, and contribute to glowing skin.  all of which is perfect for the holiday season.

• Create zones of phone-free time.  As mentioned in the opening of this article, the holiday season brings with it much-needed family time.  Make the most of it by going ahead and weaning yourself, and your family, off social media for periods of time.  Memories are more important than memes.  

• Carve out ten minutes of every day to straighten, clean, and or organize the parts of your home that are in need. By the time the holidays arrive you will be prepared for anything.

• Change your bedspread and mattress pad.  These are items that should be changed out yearly, in my opinion.  A mattress pad loses fluff and harbors dust mites and other nasty things.  I like to change mine yearly. Furthermore, winter is the best time to switch your bedspread to something a little more warm and cozy. Wash your spring/summer bedspread and put it in the closet until next season.  

• Connect with friends and family members about getting together over the holidays. This will be the year that you finally get to spend time with the people you love and miss.

• Brain dump everything for the holidays! Gift list, meal preparation, decorations, etc.  get it out of your head and onto paper! Then you can create a to-do list that will not overwhelm.

• Create a vision board for the upcoming year. This is always my favorite thing to do at the end of every year.  It feels like you are planning your perfect year and starting with a clean slate. Nothing is better than “out with the old, in with the new!”  

• Clean out the photo and email apps on your phone.  This is another way to get rid of the old and get ready for the new pictures you are sure to take over the stress-free December you are about to have. 

• Plan for or create a new tradition for your family. For example, start baking cookies together, making your own eggnog, or going on an evening walk. You could also start volunteering to feed the homeless or collecting blankets for shelter pets. The options are endless!

• Get in the holiday spirit by burning scented candles, playing on-theme music, changing your decorations, etc.

• Go ahead and try that new recipe you plan to make. Better safe than sorry.

• Review your budget and create a plan.  This may be the one thing that will keep your December stress free. Nothing is more stressful than money.  Reviewing your budget and creating a plan will preempt any issues that may arise when you start buying gifts and groceries.

Whew! I feel less stressed just giving you my tips on being less stressed!
I hope you do, too!  Cheers to a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!