With October comes the start of the holiday season. For many people this is a time when, if you’re not careful, budgets, exercise, healthy eating & overall life-balance can all too easily get…well… out of balance.
Just the thought of the holidays can leave you feeling exhausted and drained. Yet, this is a time that is about celebration, joy and love. How is it that we have gotten to a place where the work and expense involved have taken the place of the excitement, anticipation and fun? It could be that we have lost sight of what the holidays are really about.
This month take some time to get back in touch with what the holidays really mean. What is important to you? How can you make the holidays special and meaningful without over doing it in any area of your life?
Make an extra effort to take care of yourself by pacing yourself during this busy time of year. Start early and spread the load as you go. Decide ahead of time what you can afford to spend this holiday season and make every effort not to exceed that limit. Be sure to eat right, exercise and get enough rest. Be helpful and giving. Avoid stress. Enjoy the people around you and this time that you have to spend with them celebrating.
Check out my October organizing tips for some great ways to get organized for the holidays:
~ 3 Lists & Tips You Can’t Do
Without This Holiday Season~
Getting a head start and spreading the load will go a long way to helping your holidays stay in balance.
Card List:
Make a list of each person or family group that you plan to send a card to. Purchase your cards & stamps. Write them out (yes, I know its only October but trust me!) Stamp and address the envelopes. Once they are ready to send, place the cards in a safe place. In your calendar mark the day you will need to mail them and make a note of where you put them (just in case!)
Gift List:
Make a list of each person that you plan to give a gift to. Next to their name assign a dollar amount that allows you to stay within your holiday budget. Write down any ideas you have for the gift you would like to get them and where you will purchase it from. Each week buy one gift from your list, wrap it and keep in a safe place.
Food List:
Decide what your holiday meals are going to be. List all the ingredients/items you will need to buy in order to make them. On your list, include items that fall outside of your recipes such as cookies, fruit, beverages, etc. Highlight the items that are non-perishable. Each time you go grocery shopping buy one or two items from this list and keep on a separate shelf in your pantry until you need them.
Stay in balance, you’ll be glad you did!
Contact Jodie Watson:
If you have any questions, would like to schedule a free professional organizing telephone consultation, or would like Jodie Watson to speak at your next corporate function, group meeting, social event, or retreat, call at (818) 590-7800. You can also contact Jodie on Facebook and Twitter or visit her website at Supreme Organization.
Tags: Holiday cards, holiday gifts, Jodie Watson, organization
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