Tips on how to survive and thrive in the lead-up to Christmas

WITH end of year parties, the Christmas rush and work deadlines, November is always stressful. So how can you own that To Do list and start December with a bang?

Don't let November overwhe...

WITH end-of-year parties, the pre-Christmas rush and work deadlines looming, November is always one of the most stressful months of the year.

Maybe it's the end-of-year events like work Christmas parties and school concerts - these are even more strenuous if you're involved in planning them. Then there's the rush to organise Christmas presents and plan family gatherings.

If you're at university or school, you'll have exams. And for many parents, the prospect of having their children at home for six weeks over the holidays is terrifying.

So how can you take a chill pill and own that never ending 'To Do list' this November?

News.com.au spoke to health and workplace experts about what makes November such a slog, and how you can combat it.

Dr. Dain Heer, Author and International Speaker

Dr. Dain Heer, Author and International Speaker.

Dr. Heer says the holidays are difficult because expectations can often run high and go unfulfilled.

"The top stressors in the lead up to Christmas can include: money, insecurity, family, overeating, overspending and loneliness," said Dr. Heer.

"There is also an intense feeling you can't really receive, and a nagging feeling that there is something wrong, even when there is no reason for it. It should be a time of joy, but so few people are joyful.

"Family rifts and personal losses complicate even the happiest [of] celebrations," he said.

"In November and December we tend to reflect on what we have or haven't accomplished, and also ... look for ways that we are going to make changes and have a better year next year.

"People get stressed because there are so many stressors that [are] increased and brought into the light of day during this time of year. These stressors are able to remain hidden during the rest of the year.

"Because so many other people around us are having the same issues and no one is talking about it, it gets even more intense at this time of year.

"Unfortunately, instead of just sharing our holiday spirit, we share our holiday stress, even when we don't intend to," Dr. Dain Heer said.

Fortunately, there are some simple tools you can use to make this holiday season the best one yet, if you're willing to use them.

Don't let November overwhelm you.

Dr. Heer's tips for combating holiday stresses:

1. ACKNOWLEDGE IT IS A STRESSFUL TIME OF YEAR

First, acknowledge that this is a stressful time of year for a lot of people, and that you are not alone. Don't try to convince yourself that you are happy if you're not. Instead, make a commitment to yourself that you're going to change [your mindframe] this holiday season.

2. HANG OUT WITH HAPPY PEOPLE

Write down the names of five people that put a smile on your face. Make plans to hang out more with these people during the holidays. In fact, call them and schedule it in your calendar. You'll be amazed at how it will de-stress you and give you the energy to handle the other (less-happy) people you are obligated to be around during the holiday season.

3. PHONE A FRIEND

Find a friend who doesn't judge you, who truly cares about you, and create a mini-support network. Call each other every couple of days for support. Put it in your calendar.

4. STOP BEING A PSYCHIC SPONGE!

You know how it is: you get less and less happy the more you hang out with unhappy people, right? It's because this is actually one of the most stressful times of year for most people, but no one is talking about it, because they have been told they're supposed to be happy.

To wring your psychic sponge out, and rid yourself of the other people's [issues] you've been carrying, ask this simple question: "Who does this belong to?" to every thought, feeling, emotion, judgment, and stress you have.

If your load lightens at all when you ask, it's because [the burden] is not yours. You're just being aware of it. This one tool has helped eliminate depression in many hundreds of people I have worked with.

Ask: "Who am I being right now?" when you get stressed.

5. GO OUT INTO NATURE

As simple as it sounds, even a half-hour with your toes in the grass or in the sand can de-stress you. The longer you can spend in nature, allowing it to nurture you and your body, the better.

6. TAKE 'ME' TIME

Plan on taking a day to yourself after the holidays. Maybe take a trip, or maybe just stay home and take some time for you.

7. Ask: "WHO AM I BEING?"

In the situations where you get stressed ask, "who am I being right now?"

Why? Because many of us respond to situations in our lives in a way that we learned to respond, not in a way that would be natural for us.

In other words, as kids we learn to mimic the people around us, either parents, friends, or others. If you want to break the cycle, ask this question. You may find you come up with an answer that surprises you. When you realise you're not really being you, it's a lot easier [change your behaviour].

8. LET GO OF FINANCIAL STRESS AND GET CREATIVE

If you're stressed out financially, get creative. Gather your friends and suggest that you all give to a charity instead of giving gifts. That will allow you to spend your hard-earned cash on the people in your life that require it of you most.

Nicola Styles, Career and Leadership Specialist

Nicola Styles, Career and Leadership Specialist

Nicola Styles attributes much of the November rush to increased workplace commitments.

"It could be the sudden realisation that most work deadlines are looming closer than you thought," she said.

"This is because the 'end of the year' is pushed forward to fall before the traditional holiday shutdown period that many companies adhere to.

"When people take forced leave it means that there is a rush to get everything done in the first few weeks of December.

"People become aware of certain goals and objectives that they need to get finished by the end of the calendar year, and perhaps want to meet these goals to maximise their bonus potential," Nicola said.

"With this realisation comes stress and anxiety as people start to worry that they haven't achieved all those things that they want to."

Nicola's quick tips for surviving the Christmas lead-up:

1. Set realistic goals.

2. Prioritise your to-do-list in order of importance - be clear on what is important and why it's important.

3. Be disciplined with your time - overcome procrastination and minimise distractions i.e. email/phone calls/people interrupting you.

4. Ensure you remain healthy - exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, keep hydrated and get plenty of good quality sleep.

5. Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, music, walking or get a massage.

Do you get stressed every November in the lead-up to the holidays? Comment below or join the conversation on Twitter @newscomauHQ | @gracekoelma | @dr_dainheer

Find out more about Dr. Dain Heer at drdainheer.com

Find out more about Nicola Styles here.

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