One morning while I was preparing the dinner’s marinade, playing a game with my son, trying to think what I should write about for the newsletter and at the same time trying to enjoy my morning coffee it came to me. Some modern business people call what I was doing multi-tasking, thinking that they invented the idea.

Quite frankly I feel mothers invented the practice of multi-tasking as a method hundred of years ago in response to being pulled in to many directions. While all this was going on at 8:00 am I could already tell that I was going to have a stressful day and needed to do something about it.

Christmas is the prime time of the year where tasks increase and there never seems to be enough time in the day let alone enough days to get everything done. Stress is very prevalent during this time of the year and we need to address this so we can all have a pleasant holiday season.

It is important to recognize the signs that stress is building up in our lives. While everyone responds to stress differently there are a few symptoms we should be aware of. Some of the most obvious signs may present as a change in temperament. One could be moody, irritable, and what most people notice short tempered especially with those closest to us.

People often will demonstrate an inability to focus, become forgetful, and unable to make decisions. In extreme cases physical problems will become apparent such as sleep problems, headaches, heart palpitations and chest pain. While a certain amount of stress may be beneficial to some no one should let stress build up to the point where you are showing these signs.

If we all know that stress is present during the holiday season what can we do about it. One recommendation is to make a list of what we feel we need to do to prepare for Christmas. It has been suggested to me that after your list has been compiled to go over and prioritize the tasks. You must then look at the list and decide what is attainable and short list the tasks. It sometimes becomes apparent that what is at the bottom of the list isn’t actually necessary to complete. We must be realistic in making our list and sometimes it is useful to set out a calendar of when tasks will be completed by.

Remember that if you choose to make a calendar put in rest days where Christmas activities are not done. While it is good to delegate tasks you must be realistic in what you ask of others. Don’t ask your spouse to do something that will be difficult for them to do. Be practical and make sure you do the activities that give you pleasure. Nothing could be more frustrating for your husband than shopping for bath products for your teenage granddaughter and like wise you shopping at the hardware store.

Most importantly you must look after yourself physically. Make sure you are getting regular sleep and are eating healthy. While we tend to indulge at Christmas time you can plan around this and make sure you make proper food selections when eating at home. Don’t forget to get regular exercise at this time.

While routines have a tendency to slip you will find your energy level and stamina will be increased if you keep up with your daily program. Make sure you take regular rest or quiet times throughout the day as it gives your body a break from the noise and stress. Remember to take your medications as prescribed as these will help your body with the physical response.

While all this seems to be practical advise it is all to easy for people to forget about looking after themselves. No one likes to shrug there responsibilities but all to often what we perceive as what are our duties really can be delegated or left undone.

Christmas will come and if you don’t have everyone’s special cookies made for them too bad they can enjoy someone’s favorite this year. While it may be difficult to say no to someone or to a task often Christmas is better off for it.

Here is a list of few suggestions to simplify your holidays:

- Share in the shopping, have someone buy some of the presents for you.

- Check out the specialty bakeries, most make your favorite cookies.

- Decorate your house in stages.

- Address your Christmas card envelopes in January to the people who sent you ones this year, if their address changes just affix a sticker with the correct one next year.

- Take time to play your grand children’s board games or read a book, this can provide some quality quiet time with them.

- Don’t forget to take a nap on Christmas Day giving you both the rest and some time away from the noise, noise, noise (as the Grinch so puts it)

- Relax and let your children look after you, they owe you.

Enjoyment of the holidays can only happen if you are not stressed. So do yourself a favor and look after yourself. Merry Christmas and the best in the New Year.