The Top 7 Ways To Increase Your Holiday Stress

1. PACK YOUR CALENDAR
Nothing adds more stress like one more holiday party or luncheon that you see as an obligation rather than something you’d actually enjoy. Isn’t the holiday season meant to be fun and festive instead of frustrated and frazzled?

2. EAT A LOT OF CARBOHYDRATES AND SWEETS
Every gathering will have plenty of these and everything tastes so good! Watch out when your body ‘crashes’ after the sugar buzz and carbs; you’ll be grumpy to everyone and everything in your path!

3. GAIN WEIGHT (as a result of #2)
Who doesn’t assume the holiday weight gain? What better way to put the pressure on yourself after the new year to go on that diet that’ll be broken before the end of January. Consider sampling your indulgences-you’ll thank yourself come January 1st.

4. OVERSPENDn‘Tis the season for credit card debt that forms an ominous dark cloud over your head in January. Set price points and dollar limits on gifts for loved ones and friends. Contrary to popular belief, the holiday season is NOT just about the gifts.

5. THINK LIKE MARTHA STEWART
What better way to heap stress on yourself than assuming all your holiday decorations and food must be perfect. Through all the stress, does it give you joy? Or are you looking for ways to add more or make changes? It’s the human contact, not the home, which makes for a wonderful holiday visit.

6. COMPLICATE YOUR LIFE
Why does Starbucks need a booklet to tell you how to order a cup of coffee? Because, along with the rest of society, we make things so complex! Think of ways to SIMPLIFY your celebration of the season. Your credit cards and body will thank you!

7. TRAVEL UNNECESSARILY
This will eat up tons of time, especially if there are lots of friends and family to see. If others are located in a common geographic area, extend your time there (if you want to!) or develop an efficient daily schedule. Invite others to your home so you don’t have to do all the traveling.