Four Actions Working Woman Can Take to Limit Holiday Stress

There are 72 days give or take a few minutes and seconds before New Year’s Day according to the new year countdown clock. What are you going to do with the time that is left in 2020? For some the answer to that question is a no brainer. Look at your calendare of events for November. Your schedule of events and activities may look like the following:

November

3 Vote
4 Cry or Celebrate
13 Acknowledge that it is Friday the 13th while completing your online shopping.
16 Begin preparations to host the family for Thanksgiving
17 Shop for groceries
20 Support your child’s volunteer efforts by baking cookies for first responders
25 Cooking, Cleaning and Coordinating travel plans
26 Hosting guests, cleaning dishes, entertaining
27 Checking out the Black Friday sales events
28 Putting up Christmas decorations
29 Prepping to return to work on Monday

More likely than not, you will work every day of the month except Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. The month of December will have a similar vibe with the addition of one or two holiday parties for your spouse and you. Oh yes, and your children will have holiday gatherings to attend, too.

The holiday season is stressful for many different reasons. Working women have the added stress of the additional expectations that come with the holiday season. We are expected to create an enjoyable experience for our loved ones. We also desire to create memorable experiences. This personal expectation increases our stress levels.

Working women do not have the opportunity or privilege of putting their usual activities aside when a holiday or special day approaches. We continue working, managing home responsibilities, and supporting our aging parents with their affairs. We take on the additional work and push through. Our hope is that our families appreciate what we do for them.

To minimize the negative effects of stress, working women should make the following actions a part of their holiday plans. These four actions will decrease stress and increase enjoyment.

Instead of developing a to-do list, create an action plan

A to-do list does not break down the steps or actions you must take to complete each item. It also does not share occurrences that could slow down or hinder progress. An action plan will include the necessary steps or actions. It may also specify possible occurrences that may interrupt progress. An action plan better prepares us for what to expect. It also enables us to develop alternative plans in the event of a problem.

Establish expectations of your own

Assign family members tasks that are in line with their abilities and interests. Assignments take away the ambivalence of asking for help in general terms. Most family members will respond favorably to specific requests or assignments. The assignment should include the outcome that is needed and a deadline for completion. Assignments that cater to a family member’s strength or interest will be readily accepted.

Incorporate self-care activities into the day

We mistakenly think that we must set aside time for self-care activities. The most effective form of self-care occurs via actions throughout the day. We are conditioned to put other’s interests before our own, however, taking care of self is a vital part of taking care of others. If we are not healthy and whole, we will hinder the health and wholeness of those we love.

Set limits and establish boundaries

Limit setting is another important action to take during the holidays. Setting limits related to holiday activities for the entire family prevents family members from overindulging. Working women have the power and authority to set limits to how their time is used. Limit setting establishes boundaries for our interactions during the holidays.

“I want to be happy, whole, satisfied and successful. What about you?”
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