by Silvana
Clark
http://www.panicbuttons.com/
©
2007 Feeling stressed from the holidays? Co-workers getting
on your nerves? Wondering how you'll pay for those holiday gifts? Can't figure
out what to buy your daughter's dance teacher? "People try to balance the
social events of the holidays, along with buying gifts and keeping up on work
duties. No wonder they feel extra stress during December," says Silvana Clark,
a professional speaker on Humor in the Workplace. Instead
of feeling you have to decorate your house worthy of Martha Stewart's approval…relax.
Having time to spend with family and friends takes a higher priority than knitting
sweaters for everyone on your gift list. This year, look for ways to simplify
the usual scurrying, (and swearing!) by trying these ideas: - When children
clamor for items they "HAVE" to have, smile graciously and say, "Go
ahead and write it on a wish list. Give me five items on the list I can choose
from." You'll be surprised how quickly the list changes, hour by hour. It
also teaches children to focus on what they really want.
- Use
creativity to break the monotony of everyday workplace routines. Try a stand-up
meeting where everyone remains standing during the staff meeting. Celebrate untraditional
holidays such as Ugly Tie Day or Clean off Your Desk Day. Give out awards such
as "The Good and Plenty" award for someone with lots of good ideas.
Naturally they get a box of Good and Plenty candy to go with the esteemed award.
- Let friends and co-workers know they are appreciated. Instead
of spending the afternoon shopping for a special apron decorated with apples for
your son's teacher, stay home. Yes, stay home and handwrite notes of appreciation
to special people in your life. They'll treasure the note far more than another
"World's Greatest Soccer Coach" mug.
- Instead of buying
individual gifts for friends, how about giving them invitations to a fun get-together,
after the holidays. Plan a simple dessert buffet or wine and cheese sampling in
January. Your friends will enjoy having something to look forward to and you enjoy
not having to shop and wrap numerous presents.
- Add a little
humor to your life with simple novelty toys like stress balls or even a jar of
Play-Dough. When the stress gets too high, simply push your very own red PANIC
button. These double backed adhesive computer keys attach to any computer keyboard,
(or any object that brings you frustration.) This gag gift is an actual computer
key imprinted with "PANIC". It's ideal for bringing a light hearted
touch to the office.
- Take time with your family to do some "old-fashioned"
activities. Try taking a walk to look at holiday lights. Shop at a church craft
bazaar rather than the mall. Take advantage of free holiday concerts and festivals.
If you have young children, there's no need to buy expensive tickets to a professional
version of The Nutcracker. Go to a local community production. That way, if children
get restless, you can leave and not feel guilty for "wasting" the expensive
tickets.
Most of all, remember you are in control.
This holiday season, find ways to laugh and enjoy the holidays with a light-hearted
spirit, rather than simply crossing off items on your "Must-do" list.
Credit: About the Author: Silvana
Clark is a professioanl speaker and author of eleven books. She reduced stress
life by spending free time promoting her dog for TV commercials and always using
the PANIC button on her computer. Oh yes, she also appeared on the Fox reality
show, Trading Spouses. http://www.panicbuttons.com/
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