FFFF: Dealing with Christmas Busyness

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

December Issue #110

By Kathryn Hartwell

MY FAVOURITE – FABULOUS – FANTASTIC AND FUN STUFF

Am I the only one who starts to feel a little pressurized around the Christmas season? I doubt that I am. Christmas can be a very hard time for some people financially and emotionally, but it can also be fabulous and fantastic. There are different ways to cope in this season of merriment and I am here to tell you there are very simple ways you can simplify your life. First and foremost, start with getting rid of many of the things you do that aren’t a necessity so you can spend time with people you love and doing your favourite and fun stuff. This may sound simple, but let me tell you this is a battle I have been fighting most of my life and I am sure that is true for many people. Getting to simplicity isn’t always a simple process. It’s a journey, not a destination, and it can often be a journey of two steps forward, and one backward. The truth is there are only two steps to simplifying: Identify what’s most important to you, and eliminate everything else. Haha, it sounds so easy!

Now you all knew that this would involve making a list. It always does and the truth of the matter is I have found that list making does make your life easier. If I don’t write it down, I will absolutely forget things every single time. I would not survive without all my little lists laying around my house. So, begin with making a list of your top 4 – 5 important things. What’s most important to you? What do you value most? What 4-5 things do you most want to do in your life? Simplifying starts with these priorities; you are trying to make room in your life so you have more time for what you want and love. Forget all the little things that don’t matter.

Evaluate your time. How do you spend your day? What things do you do, from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep? Make a list, and evaluate whether they’re in line with your priorities. If not, eliminate the things that aren’t, and focus on what’s important. Redesign your day. Our work day is made up of an endless list of work tasks. If you simply try to knock off all the tasks on your to-do list, you’ll never get everything done, and worse yet, you’ll never get the important stuff done. Focus on the essential tasks and eliminate the rest.

Learn to say no. This is one of the key habits for those trying to simplify their lives. If you can’t say no, you will take on too much. Stress is often the result of over commitment and schedules that are stretched paper thin. When possible, assert your right to say "no" and politely decline those activities, projects, and extra obligations that clutter up your life and your thinking.

Next--this may be a tough one for most of you and I can think of a few in my life who are glued to their cell phones!! You know who you are. But you MUST learn to limit your communications. Our lives these days are filled with a vast flow of constant communication—email, cell phones, Skype, Twitter, and so much more. It can take up your whole day if you let it. Instead, put a limit on your communications—only do email at certain times of the day, for a certain number of minutes. Limit phone calls to certain times too. Same with any other communications. Set a schedule and stick to it.

We all seem to be in such a rush all the time. Try to just relax and learn to drive a little slower. Most people rush through traffic, honking and getting angry and frustrated and stressed out. And endangering themselves and others in the process. Driving slower is not only safer, but it is better on your fuel bill, and can be incredibly peaceful. Put on some music that you love and just be at peace. Give it a try.

Our materialistic society today is about getting more and more, with no end in sight. Sure, you can get the latest gadget, and more clothes and shoes. More stuff. But when will you have enough? Most people don’t know, and thus they keep buying more. It’s a never-ending cycle. Get off the cycle by figuring out how much is enough. And then stop when you get there. Plus you end up in debt; nothing complicates our lives quite as quickly as debt. The dark cloud of interest, taxes, and household budgets, stresses families, and often keeps us tied to jobs we hate. Commit to becoming debt-free and simplifying how you approach spending.

This is an easy one for me because I LOVE to cook. Cooking is creative and fun and “The Newsy” is always full of wonderful recipes. You can make it easy by creating a simple weekly dinner menu. If figuring out what’s for dinner is a nightly stressor for you or your family, just consider creating a weekly menu. Decide on a week’s worth of simple dinners, set a specific dinner for each night of the week, go grocery shopping for the ingredients. Now you know what’s for dinner each night, and you have all the ingredients necessary. No need for difficult recipes, just have a fabulous time together creating. And eat healthy natural foods. You may even consider making a double batch. The next time you fire up the stove or oven to cook your favourite meal, consider making double. If the menu is freezer-friendly, store it for a later date. If not, you've got a pre-made lunch for the next day!

Last but not least, do your holiday shopping throughout the year. Channel Santa all year long and score bargains on everything from gifts to wrapping paper. By the time December rolls around, you can dodge the panicked masses and enjoy a little eggnog by the fire.

Be fabulous today and every day and try to remember more is not always better. Don’t stress—instead, live your best life—love, laugh and be happy and have the most fantastic and fabulously amazing Merry Christmas Season of all time!!

Kathryn Hartwell

References: zenhabits.net