 | Pam Pirotte was raised in Wichita and received her Masters in Nursing from WSU. She was a nursing educator as well as a bedside nurse until 1986, when care in the home became her focus. Pam considers this the most rewarding field available to nursing personnel. The relationships are positive and precious. “People appreciate us for keeping them in their own homes.” Pam lives with her husband, donkeys, ducks, chickens, geese, goats, dogs and cats, near Leon, Kansas. Saint Raphael Home Care is located at 903 West 18th, Wichita, KS 67203, and Pam can be reached at 316-269-5400. |
Senior Living
2008-01-01 11:17:00
Stress reduction during the holidays (a New Year’s resolution)
Christmas is typically one of the most stressful events of the year. The expense of buying gifts, the pressure of last minute shopping and the heightened expectations of family togetherness can all combine to undermine our best intentions. Some practical suggestions can help you reduce your ‘Christmas stress’.
For many of us, the Christmas aftermath includes massive credit card bills that can take months to clear. Christmas doesn’t have to be a financial headache if you plan ahead.
• As early as you can in the New Year, work out a rough budget of expected Christmas costs. Don’t forget ‘hidden’ expenses such as food bills and overseas telephone charges.
• Calculate how much disposable income you have between now and Christmas. A certain percentage of this can be dedicated each week (or fortnight or month) to covering your expected Christmas costs. Don’t be discouraged if the amount seems small. If you save $5.00, $10.00 or $20.00 per week over a year, it can provide you with a hefty nest egg.
• If your nest egg isn’t enough to cover your estimated expenses, perhaps you may need to refigure your Christmas budget to a more realistic amount.
• If you have trouble keeping your hands off your Christmas nest egg, consider opening a ‘Christmas Club’ account.
If you have a large circle of extended family or friends to buy gifts for, it can be very costly. You might be able to reduce the stress and cost of Christmas for everyone if you suggest buying presents only for the children or limiting the dollar amount to be spent on each present. Make a list, shop early and take advantage of the post-Christmas sales. If you are cooking lunch at home, delegate tasks, and have everyone bring a covered dish. Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to shop—plan ahead and avoid the rush.
The little extras
Other ways you might be able to reduce the stress include:
• Write up a Christmas card list and keep it in a safe place so that you can refer to it (and add or delete names) year after year.
• Plan to write your Christmas cards in early December. Book a date in your diary so you don’t forget.
• Christmas cards with ‘Card only’ marked on the envelope can be posted at a reduced rate during November and December.
• Overseas mail at Christmas time takes longer to arrive. Arrange to send cards or presents in the first half of December, to avoid disappointments (and long queues at the post office).
• For great savings, buy Christmas necessities (such as cards, wrapping paper, ribbons and decorations) at post-Christmas sales.
General health and wellbeing
Some other ways to keep your stress levels down include:
• Try to be moderate - it may be the season to be jolly, but too much food and alcohol is harmful, and drunk driving is a real danger and illegal. If you can’t (or don’t want to) step off the social merry-go-round, at least try to eat and drink in moderation.
• Get enough sleep - plan for as many early nights as you can.
• Keep moving - keeping up your regular exercise routine can give you the fitness and stamina to make it through the demands of the festive season.
Have a wonderful New Year!
