Have you ever noticed how many people are sick around the holidays? One of the primary reasons people become ill is that we try to squeeze in too many activities into our already hectic schedules. The consequence is more stress and a weakened immune system. What is supposed to be a joyous, spiritually based time of year gives way to stress related illness, short tempers, frantic activities, and overeating. The ten tips below can help you reduce the stress and make your holiday season more enjoyable.

1. Under promise!

Decide what your priorities are and number them in priority order. Commit to 75% of what you feel you can do and let go of doing the bottom 25%. Once you've put your commitment in writing, stick to it. If you have additional time and space to do more, great. If you must add something to the list, decide what item(s) you are willing to drop.

2. Use "No" as a complete sentence.

You have a limited amount of time to squeeze in the activities you need to complete. List your priorities. Then, when someone asks you to do something that is not on your list, smile and say "No". You don't need to explain why you aren't available. If the person persists, just say, "I have another commitment" (even if the commitment is going home to put your feet up in front of the fire.).

3. Let go of having to complete every single commitment.

If you have committed to an event and are feeling overly tired or ill, cancel or ask for help. Draw the distinction between what you "need" to do vs. what you "want" to do. Make needs a priority and let the "wants" go.

4. Save time and energy by doing your shopping on-line.

By shopping on line and sending on-line greeting cards, you not only save money on shipping and postage, you also avoid the aggravation of fighting the mob at the malls. An excellent way to comparison shop on-line is to use "a shopping bot." The "bot" goes up on line, searches, and brings back the best prices for the item you entered. Three excellent resources are:

• http://www.eBoodle.com
• http://www.ClickTheButton.com
• http://www.Rusure.com

5. Tackle big projects in pieces.

Is sending all those greeting cards to your clients and friends getting you down? If you are tackling a big holiday project, break it down into several parts. For those holiday cards, spend 30 minutes a day over several days. Plan on the project taking 25% more time than you anticipated. Thus, you avoid creating additional stress by allowing yourself sufficient time to complete what you start. If you really want to save time and money, consider getting free, personalized e-mail holiday cards on-line. To customize cards for your special clients visit:

• http://www.bluemountain.com/eng3/wintrdays/index.html

If you want to combine on on-line gift with an on-line card, visit:

• http://www.bluemountain.com/giftcenter/

6. Let go of expectations.

How many times have you hoped a package contained exactly the right gift and it turned out to be something for which you had absolutely no use? The phrase we use to describe this experience is "ambushed by an expectation." When we create expectations of what "should" happen or exactly how things "should" be, we set ourselves up for disappointment and failure. Instead of having high expectations, shift to being grateful to whatever comes to you this holiday season. Sometimes life's most difficult times and lessons turn out to be our greatest gifts and teachers.

7. Don't be too attached the outcome.

Stress often occurs when we have attachment to how people will respond to our cards, gifts, or even our presence. Stay focused in the present moment and enjoy each moment for the gifts it contains. Your holiday experience will be much more positive and will seem less like an obligation.

8. Keep your alcohol and sweets intake at a minimum.

Drinking alcohol and eating sweets burns both time and energy since both cause your pancreas to release excessive amounts of insulin. This causes your blood sugar to crash leaving you feeling tired and depressed. This problem is compounded further when you have to diet in January to get back in shape. If you're going to "graze" at a party, focus on high protein items along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Have "designer water" or fresh juice (or cocktail mix) without the alcohol. If you are still using the "it's the holidays" excuse…it's time to retire it!

9. Think of ways not to be alone for the holidays.

Create your own holiday tradition by inviting others who are alone or new in town to your home for a holiday dinner. If you don't have anyone to invite, visit a retirement home or an orphanage. There are many people who would love to have someone remember them at the holiday season. Alternatively, volunteer to serve dinner to the homeless or to work at a local church or synagogue that provides services for those in need. The old adage of "it is better to give than to receive" is very true. What we give always comes back "with interest".

10. Be willing to give to yourself.

During this hectic time of year, schedule time for you—a long luxurious hot bath, a special movie, a massage—whatever makes you feel good and healthy. Give yourself the gifts of laughter and song—both are great ways to chase away stress as well as the holiday blues. Also, when we're happy, we seldom get sick. Recent research has shown laughter strengthens the immune system. So, put a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and enjoy the holiday season!

Published: December 7, 2000

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Bernice L. Ross, Ph.D. operates RealEstateCoach.com, with her husband and co-trainer, Bryon Van Arsdale. A Professor of Psychology at Los Angeles Pierce College, Bernice also is a faculty member at Coach University and holds the designation of Master Certified Coach. She served as Executive Director of Training from 1993-1997 for Prudential Jon Douglas Company, and also pioneered the first real estate/coaching teleclasses for Continuing Education credit in California. E-mail Bernice at bernice@realestatecoach.com.