1. Set Your Priorities.
- Take the time to decide what is important to you.
- Don’t over commit because you are afraid to say “No”.
- The Scriptures tell us that “each of us should give what we have decided in our heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God love’s a cheerful giver.”
- Write down your priorities -you must stay true to your basic principles and priorities for your life to work and remain in balance.
- Examine how opportunities connect with your purpose. If they do not fit, do not commit.
2. Put a Stop to the things you don’t want to do.
- What are things that add the most stress to you?
- Stop or change how you approach them
- It is OK to nix from your life the things that stress you out. Is a coronary by-pass surgery really worth it?
- Get realistic and set some limits and cut from your life the things that make you wig out.
3. Proper Prior Planning Produces Premium Performance.
- Making a game plan helps you perform better. Create with your family members an events calendar and do your best to stick to those things on your calendar. Remember to make it fit your priorities.
- Create a to-do list along with schedules and completion dates.
- Make realistic plans and allow for down time. Plan for down time. Relaxation has to be planned.
- Use your game plan as an out when asked to do something that you would rather not do. “Oh rats, I’d love to but my calendar is already booked for that time. Even if what you have booked is relaxation, you are staying true to your plans and priorities.
- Even after you create your list, ask yourself: “Can I still scale back?”
4. Share the Joy - Delegate.
- You are not God so don’t try to do this all by yourself. Come to think of it, God being all those things doesn’t try to do it all by himself. God delegates, so should you.
- When we delegate, we are saying to those around us, you are significant to me.
- Now keep in mind, delegating is not shirking, it means divvying up the tasks and the master list and getting others involved. Divvy up the list based on age and ability and share the joy this holiday season and minimize your stress.
5. Don’t go over budget.
- Money worries can be one of the major causes of stress.
- Create a budget and stick to it!
6. Simplify Your Life.
- Use the Internet!
- When you need something, call first, anything that will keep you from making fruitless trips.
- Create a plan.
7. Carpe Diem – Seize the Day.
- Smile and look around for beauty and joy.
- When you reduce your load and focus on the areas of priority and passion, you will be better suited to soak in the glory of life.
- Enjoy your children now! Roll on the floor, sing songs, laugh a lot.
- In Brennan Manning’s Book, “The Boy Who Cried Abba” a young boy meets Jesus and as they sit and talk over a fajitas. The boy is amazed at the way in which Jesus devours his food, relishing each and every bite. Jesus is aware that the boy is watching and says to him, when you get to heaven, little friend, Abba will not ask you how many prayers you said or how many souls you saved. He’ll ask, “Did you enjoy the fajita?” He wants you to live with passion, in the beauty of the moment, accepting and enjoying his gifts.
8. Stay Healthy.
- Take care of yourself.
- Create and stick to an exercise routine.
- Energy creates energy and when you exercise you are helping yourself get through life with less stress.
9. Treat yourself nice.
- One of the best ways to reduce the stress in your life is to treat yourself in small or big ways with things or activities that bring you pleasure such as a long bath, relaxing in front of a crackling fire, of course if it is cold enough, or snuggling up with a good book or movie.
10. Take the Time to Worship.
- What does worship look like? Well, it can look like enjoying fajitas, unwrapping presents, celebrating with friends. Some churches sing the doxology, “Praise God from who all blessings flow.” Worship is entering into life with thanksgiving and being ready to give an account for the hope that you have.
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