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As if the daily stressors of work, family, and heavy traffic don’t already merit establishing healthy coping mechanisms, the holidays have arrived. Couple extensive party preparations with runny noses and winter storms, and you have the perfect recipe for a stressful season. Unlike other forms of stress, the type that accompanies the holidays is completely expected and even dreaded by some. Avoid being caught in a hurricane of anxiety and approach the next couple of months with practical and positive enthusiasm.

Stay Healthy

Our bodies are often put on the back burner when there is so much to accomplish; however, for the presence of mind and energy to complete your to-do list, make sleep, eating well, and regular exercise a priority. A full night of shut-eye will keep your body and mind more alert and less susceptible to holiday stress attacks. Rich food, desserts, and alcohol are staples of most holiday festivities, and while a bit of indulgence is expected, remember that these party foods can leave you feeling sluggish. So be aware of your intake, practice mindful eating, and keep consuming energy-boosting foods. At the same time, maintain your regular workout routine for surges of endorphins. Don’t push your body too hard, though. Retrieving a heavy box of decorations from the attic isn’t worth an injury that could sideline you for the holiday season.

Prioritize, Simplify, and Balance

With countless social events, school performances, your own family celebrations, and pressure to make lasting memories, having fun can turn into a chore. To curb an excess of stress, learn to simplify your commitments, traditions, and expectations. Identify the most important activities for you and your family and eliminate the extras. It is OK to veer from tradition if it means making the season more enjoyable. For example, if holiday crafting is important, choose one project and give that as a gift. Strike a social balance with friends and family and avoid spending too much time alone or with too many people. In general, think of ways to simplify the holidays; if you’re buying gifts, purchase everything from the same store. Don’t spend a week window-shopping at the mall—that sort of experience is bound to cause stress for even the calmest creatures.

Don’t Lose Yourself

In other parts of the world, the word holiday means vacation. Keep this in mind through the holiday season and make the happiness of yourself and your immediate family a priority. Try to let go of concerns to be perfect or to make the holidays flawless for other people. Downplay unnecessary pressure you might feel to impress with an extravagant meal or gifts; instead, showcase your own specialty, whatever it may be.

The Meaning of the Season

Looking past the gifts and decadent meals, what is the significance of this time of year for you and your family? It can be easy to get caught up in how much you have to do and how holiday lines affect you. Step away from your immediate concerns and examine the big picture. Are the holidays about spending time with family, helping those in need, or counting your blessings? Whatever the importance for you, it likely goes beyond tinsel and toffee. Maintain a bit of perspective this season and help set aside the stress. Written by Maresa Giovannini.

Money Management

Tight budgets or overspending can easily cramp your celebratory holiday style. Avoid the added stress of empty pockets in the New Year and be proactive with your pennies.

What can you afford? Review your finances (cash and credit); determine how much money you can afford for holiday-related expenses and make this figure your overall spending limit. Keep better track of spending by using cash instead of a debit or credit card.

Consider all costs. Holidays expenses don’t stop at gifts. Include travel, gift-wrapping, food, and decorations, and prioritize your budget accordingly.

Reevaluate gifts. Focus on fun yet affordable presents for children, and encourage friends and family to celebrate with a potluck or volunteer toward a specific cause together.

Clip coupons. If you have specific purchases from big-box stores in mind, do an Internet search for coupons first to see what you might be able to save.

Keep track for next year. Regardless of how your numbers work out, document everything and keep a copy of your finances to help plan next year’s budget.

Lexi & Jordan Ostlund

Office: 307-682-6622

Cell: 307-689-1024

ostlundrealestate@vcn.com

www.OstlundRealEstate.com

As featured in

Your Home and Lifestyle

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

All measurements are approximate.




						As if the daily stressors of work, family, and heavy traffic don’t already merit establishing healthy coping mechanisms, the holidays have arrived. Couple extensive party preparations with runny noses and winter storms, and you have the perfect recipe for a stressful season. Unlike other forms of stress, the type that accompanies the holidays is completely expected and even dreaded by some. Avoid being caught in a hurricane of anxiety and approach the next couple of months with practical and positive enthusiasm.



							Stay Healthy Our bodies are often put on the back burner when there is so much to accomplish; however, for the presence of mind and energy to complete your to-do list, make sleep, eating well, and regular exercise a priority. A full night of shut-eye will keep your body and mind more alert and less susceptible to holiday stress attacks. Rich food, desserts, and alcohol are staples of most holiday festivities, and while a bit of indulgence is expected, remember that these party foods can leave you feeling sluggish. So be aware of your intake, practice mindful eating, and keep consuming energy-boosting foods. At the same time, maintain your regular workout routine for surges of endorphins. Don’t push your body too hard, though. Retrieving a heavy box of decorations from the attic isn’t worth an injury that could sideline you for the holiday season. Prioritize, Simplify, and Balance With countless social events, school performances, your own family celebrations, and pressure to make lasting memories, having fun can turn into a chore. To curb an excess of stress, learn to simplify your commitments, traditions, and expectations. Identify the most important activities for you and your family and eliminate the extras. It is OK to veer from tradition if it means making the season more enjoyable. For example, if holiday crafting is important, choose one project and give that as a gift. Strike a social balance with friends and family and avoid spending too much time alone or with too many people. In general, think of ways to simplify the holidays; if you’re buying gifts, purchase everything from the same store. Don’t spend a week window-shopping at the mall—that sort of experience is bound to cause stress for even the calmest creatures. Don’t Lose Yourself In other parts of the world, the word holiday means vacation. Keep this in mind through the holiday season and make the happiness of yourself and your immediate family a priority. Try to let go of concerns to be perfect or to make the holidays flawless for other people. Downplay unnecessary pressure you might feel to impress with an extravagant meal or gifts; instead, showcase your own specialty, whatever it may be. The Meaning of the Season Looking past the gifts and decadent meals, what is the significance of this time of year for you and your family? It can be easy to get caught up in how much you have to do and how holiday lines affect you. Step away from your immediate concerns and examine the big picture. Are the holidays about spending time with family, helping those in need, or counting your blessings? Whatever the importance for you, it likely goes beyond tinsel and toffee. Maintain a bit of perspective this season and help set aside the stress. Written by Maresa Giovannini.