Don’t Let the Depressed Economy Depress Your Holiday Cheer

Suzanna de Baca -- Expert Business Source, 12/1/2008 7:24:00 AM

(submitted by Suzanna de Baca on December 11, 2008)

With the holiday season upon us, I am hearing more and more people discuss the stress they’re experiencing as a result of the depressed economy.   Rather than focusing on the positive aspects of the season, it seems that pressure to spend money on presents and travel is creating additional anxiety. While it may be difficult, try and stay positively focused on your priorities rather than being pulled into spending too much time and money.

The holidays can be stressful even in a good economic environment. Rushing around to do shopping, social pressure to attend holiday events, family pressures, and even decorating your home can take up precious time and money. The anxiety can build, robbing you of enjoying the positive aspects of the season.

In a recent Expert Business Source article entitled “Managing Stress in Tough Economic Times,” I suggest paying special attention to your mind and body. In addition, minding your money by setting some boundaries on spending can help you combat stress. 

During the holidays, consider doing double time when it comes to self care. Don’t let the economy get you down and prevent you from enjoying time with friends and family.

Here are some suggestions of ways to stay upbeat during the holidays:

Do get enough sleep. Parties, parties, and more parties can be fun but can drain your energy. Trying to fit holiday shopping, events, or extra year-end work into your schedule can leave you exhausted. When you don’t get enough sleep, you are much more vulnerable to stress.  Remember that when you’re well rested, you are more productive and happier. 

Do pace your holiday eating and drinking. Holiday parties may feature plentiful alcohol, sweets, and tempting goodies, but too much indulging and imbibing can make you feel awful. Be selective about what you choose and be mindful of being good to your body.

Exercise, exercise, exercise.  Take it from a couch potato, exercise helps. Not only can exercise combat stress, it can also help you sleep better and elevate your overall mood.

Budget, budget, budget. If you have not already created a holiday budget, do so now. Decide exactly how much you can spend on presents, decorating, parties, or other holiday events. Then, stick to your budget! Remember, most people are experiencing belt-tightening, so do not succumb to pressure to spend. People will understand. Make presents or shop sales, send cards via email, entertain at home, or agree with friends to cut back together. 

Manage expections. If you feel that family or friends have expectations you cannot meet, manage these issues up front. Tell your children that you’re being more selective with gifts or travel. Let your friends and family know that you’re being careful with your dollars; chances are, they are too. You do not owe anyone excuses, but if you feel like laying the groundwork is helpful, do so.

Talk it out.  If you’re feeling stressed out, find someone to talk to. One of my therapist friends says the holidays are “boom time” for her business even under the best of circumstances; the economy is making it much harder for many people. Keeping your anxiety bottled up inside can only make it worse. Talk to your spouse or partner, supportive family members or friends, a counselor, someone at your place of worship, or even unload your feelings on an anonymous chat site. 

Have fun. No matter what your religious beliefs or traditions, the holiday time is a joyous one. Holiday lights, parties, and decorations make it a festive time of year. Most people get time off of work for Christmas and New Year, which can be a nice break. Whether or not you are flush with cash, you can still enjoy time with your loved ones. You can still enjoy the scenery. You can enjoy the special food, music or traditions. If nothing else, you can just having a day or two off of work! Choose to focus on the positive and enjoy yourself. 

Suzanna de Baca is president of Private Capital Solutions Group. Securities offered through Broker Dealer Financial Services Corp. Member FINRA & SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative of Investment Advisors Corp., A Registered Investment Advisor. Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed reliable, please note that individual situations can vary, therefore the information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice