Make your time together count
Seems everyone is stressed out and much busier than they want to be at this time of year. One solution is to plan activities that maximize your quality time with friends and family.
- Book a gym date. Arrange to meet your friends once a week for a yoga or spin class from now to the New Year. You can catch up while staying fit during this hectic season.
- Get wired. Set up a web cam and voice system on your computer now, so that you can stay in touch over the holidays with far-flung loved ones who are also wired.
- Host your party early. Why not kick off the season by holding your family party or open house a week or two earlier than normal? It will take the heat off when there’s so much to do later — and you may even boost attendance, since people aren’t as likely to be double-booked.
- Shop together. If gift-giving is part of your holiday tradition, gather your best pals and hit the stores together. You can help each other by sharing gift ideas, favourite shops and advice.
- Make it a party. Arrange a “work party” with friends or relatives. Bake holiday goodies, wrap gifts or write cards together. Play festive music and enjoy heart healthy snacks while you work.
- Enjoy a little togetherness. Relationships can really suffer when there’s so much to do. If you’re in a relationship, try to set aside some time each week to spend with your partner — a movie date, a quiet dinner at home to catch up on the week, or even coffee and conversation over the weekend paper.
- Remember the most important person. Last but not least, don’t neglect quality time alone — whether it’s 15 minutes reading in bed each night, 10 minutes of meditation, your favourite television program or any other activity you enjoy. You deserve it!