Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tips to Every Day Calm - Holiday Edition

Holidays are a stressful season for everyone. Make your life a little easier by getting a head start on the holiday mayhem so you can spend your time doing what you want: getting together with loved ones for some quality time.

1) Write a list (then check it twice). Make a list of everyone you'll be buying gifts. Include what you're going to get them and how much you think you're going to spend. This will help you stay on track with your budget and keep you focused.

2) Get up early. Nothing makes holiday shopping a pain like having to battle the crowds. By getting to the mall when the stores open you get first dibs on all the stock (which has yet to be jumbled into a huge mess by crazy shoppers) plus the crowds have yet to flood the shops.This also means not leaving your shopping to the last minute! We're only half way through November but Christmas truly does have a way of sneaking up on you!

3) Get a map. Avoid shopping in malls or areas you're unfamiliar with. Losing your car or finding yourself in strange territory is a fast way to get cranky. Plan to visit stores you know so you can get in and out in as short a time as possible.

4) Bargain shop. Around the holidays stores often come out with promotions or gift sets. 2 for 1 sales are a great way to stock up on gift items for people you know less intimately like coworkers but still want to buy for.

5) Take time out. Put up your feet, grab a book and sip some hot chocolate. Having a bit of "me time" can keep you relaxed and actually help energize you so that you work at an optimum level the rest of the time. You could even come visit us at the spa for a relaxing facial or a cozy hot stone massage...