Take the Stress out of the Season
The holidays mean different things to different people. But one common theme is that they can leave us feeling physically, emotionally, and financially drained. Below are some tips for navigating the season and getting ready to start the New Year off on the right track:
Create your holiday spending strategy. Will you buy small gifts for several people or more expensive items for just a few? Forgo gifts altogether? Or do a one-name-one-gift holiday grab bag? Build your plan and budget early. Then, stick to your plan as much as possible.
Set realistic expectations and priorities. Old memories and feelings often surface around the holidays, and it can be easy to feel disappointed. Remember, it’s OK to adapt traditions to better suit new circumstances, to not attend certain holiday parties, to say no to requests to visit…etc. Consider what feels manageable and what you’d like to do, and try to let go of any preconceived ideas of what the holidays “should” be.
Take a time out. As little as 10-15 minutes may refresh you enough to handle what you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing, and restoring inner calm.
Plan a “stay-cation.” It’s a great opportunity to do those local things you never seem to have time for, work on projects around the house, or to just relax, sleep in, and enjoy the free time.
Attend the webinar. This month be sure to register and attend the webinar, “Holiday Budgeting.” Not everything about the holidays goes as planned, but if we learn to stick to a budget, we can eliminate the stress of post-holiday financial surprises. A full description and registration information is listed in the sidebar to the right. If you’re unable to attend at any of the times, log on to the website at a later time to view the archived presentation.
YOU’VE GOT THE POWER TO STAY ON TRACK
Free Monthly Webinar:
Holiday Budgeting
Thursday, November 16, 2017
9 -10 A.M. and 12-1 P.M. PST
We may have our budget under control during the year, but at the holidays it can be easy to over-spend. This session will examine practical strategies for sticking to a holiday budget that’s affordable for your family, helping avoid anxiety about opening your January credit card statement.
REGISTER TODAY! Space is limited.
- Click on the time you would like to attend from the selections listed above.
- Or click on “UPCOMING WEBINARS” from the homepage of the website and follow the easy instructions.
Unable to make it to the scheduled webinars?
We have them archived for your convenience. Log onto the website and click on E4 University at the bottom of the home page, then click on Webinars to search by webinar title.
e4health administers the College’s EFAP program. To access their comprehensive web site, with many tools and articles, go to the e4health web site.
Username: middlebury college
Password: guest
Or call them at: 800-828-6025
(phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)