Perennial Properties Blog

Don’t let the holidays stress you out!

For many people, “The most wonderful time of the year” can also be the most stressful time of the year.  Work gets crazy with end-of-year deadlines, there are presents to buy, travel plans to make, events to attend (what will I wear?).  You certainly don’t want these stressors to negatively affect your time with family and friends.  Here are a few things you can do to ease the stress so you can enjoy this special time of year.

• Get organized.  Make a to-do list so that your shopping trips are as efficient as possible.  Instead of showing up at the store with nothing but your wallet, create a list of the people for whom you need to buy gifts in these next few days.  Note the type of gift you want to buy him or her and how much you want to spend.  As you find each item, cross it off your list.  Doing this will minimize your shopping trips and should help keep your pocketbook in check as well.
• Ask for help.  Year end deadlines at work can create enormous stress.  But there’s usually someone around who might not have as much on their plate.  Sometimes all you have to do is ask.   This goes for holiday entertaining as well.  It’s OK to say yes when friends offer to bring a dish!
• Volunteer your time.  Giving to others feels good and allows us to keep things in perspective.  Your gift can be as simple as helping a friend clean out their garage or you can participate in one of the volunteer events happening around Atlanta.
• Take some time to decompress.  See a movie to give your mind a two-hour break.  Laugh it up at Village Theatre.  Get a massage.  Take advantage of the specials on body wraps and facial services at Melange Hair Studio in the Pencil Factory Flats & Shops.
• Exercise.  Take a walk in one of Atlanta’s beautiful parks or swing by X3 Sports and release some tension on a punching bag.
• Treat yourself.  It’s OK to indulge once in a while.  And there are some delicious treats to enjoy this holiday season.  Catch up with a friend over coffee and a pastry at Inman Perk Coffee in the N. Highland Steel neighborhood or over a spicy tuna roll at Zuma Sushi Bar in Highland Walk.
• Remember the true meaning of the holidays.  It’s not about finding the ultimate present for someone or throwing the best party – it’s about spending time with loved ones and appreciating all we have to be thankful for.

Happy Holidays!