Building a nest egg for Christmas shopping, having a shopping list for presents and food and avoiding triggers that set off family tensions are among the advice on the state government’s Better Health Channel website on how to reduce stress during the festive season.
The ‘Christmas – tips to reduce the stress’ website outlines seven categories that cause stress leading up to Christmas and on the day itself.
The website offers pre-Christmas Day advice like budgeting for the day as well as recalculating your budget if you haven’t saved enough, setting price limits for presents and doing your Christmas shopping early and with a list.
Managing Christmas cards and mail by planning to write cards in early December and reducing costs by writing “Card Only” on the envelope is also advised.
Stress-reducing advice on hosting the 25 December meal and family get-together include setting a timetable, having a buffet lunch and delegating tasks. Avoiding triggers that may upset family members, relaxation techniques and hosting a friendly after-lunch sport are also recommended.
The site also includes places to get help including your GP, a financial planner, local community health centre and the Salvation Army.
For information go to www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/christmas-tips-to-reduce-the-stress#christmas-shopping.
