5 WAYS TO MAKE THIS YEAR END HOLIDAY YOUR MOST

RELAXING AND STRESS FREE BREAK OF THE YEAR.

By Thomas Murrell, MBA CSP International Business Speaker

(549 words)

For many people the end of a year is a time of increased stress.

Instead of relaxing and unwinding from a busy year, the pressures of buying

gifts, travelling or spending time with long lost relatives makes it a

difficult time.

In our household last year for example, my 4 year-old daughter’s excitement levels have been taken to new highs by performing in front of 800 people as a ‘teddy bear’ in her first ever ballet concert.

Loaded on top of this was her Kindergarten show, this time performing the

role of an ‘angel’ in a Nativity Play, and counting down the days to our

four-week trip to Tasmania.

Before the trip, she woke at 5.15 am and started packing her bags to go. I

smiled when she told me she had packed 8 videos for the trip!

Now I was really looking forward to our holiday and spending time at Freycinet

Lodge on the Island’s east-coast, feeling the crunch of pristine white sand

under my feet at Wineglass Bay, watching the sun set over the pink granite

outcrops of ‘The Hazards’ and tasting the fresh salty tang of

locally grown pacific oysters.

But it wasn’t easy getting ready, packing and then travelling for 12 hours

with full luggage and 2 children under 5 years old.

Add to this the fact we’re staying with relatives. So what is the solution?

Here are my Top 5 Ways to make End of Year Holidays a relaxing and stress

free time.

1. CLARIFY AND SHARE EXPECTATIONS.

Be aware of the extra pressure on families at this time of the year. Clarify

with family members what each individual wants from the break. For me, it

may be reading all those business books I didn’t get time for during the

year. I know for my wife, it is getting extra help looking after the

children and spending time together as a family. How can both these needs be

met? Use these three questions to clarify the needs and wants of others at

this busy time. What do you want? What do you dread? What will put a smile

on your face?

2. PLAN, MONITOR AND BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR BUDGET.

Money issues can be a big source of conflict at the end of the year. It is

meant to be a time for gift giving and sharing but it can get out of hand.

Set a budget for gifts, entertainment and food. Stick to the budget and

monitor it regularly so you don’t overspend.

3. DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SHARE TASKS.

You can’t do everything all of the time. Many people strive for perfection

at the end of the year because of the many positive and festive images

portrayed by the media. Be realistic and work out what you can and can’t

achieve. Ask for and get help. Be prepared to give up some control to share

the load.

4. COMMUNICATE YOUR FEELINGS.

The end of the year, and in Western cultures Christmas, is an emotional

time. Share your feelings of joy with others. If you’re feeling stressed,

let others know how you feel and ask for support.

5. KEEP UP YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE.

Keep doing the things you have enjoyed doing during the year, like exercise

and eating well. Take time out for yourself and your family.

* Thomas Murrell, MBA is an international business speaker, marketing consultant and award-winning broadcaster. To receive your free online media, marketing and management newsletter Media Motivators sign up at www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at (08) 9388 6888.

© 2004 8M Media & Communications Thomas Murrell. All rights reserved worldwide.