5 ways to be more productive this holiday season

The holiday season is finally upon us! We are currently in the season of apples, pumpkins, and cider, but we will very soon be approaching the season of giving thanks, which I am thrilled about. From now until the beginning of January is just so happy and fulfilling to me, but for even myself, it can definitely be stressful if you let it get to you.

According to the NY Post, ““Festive stress” is real and it’s here. According to new research, 31 percent of Americans describe the holiday season as “frantic.” Commissioned by the US Highbush Blueberry Council, the study examines people’s stress levels and related behaviors during the holiday season. The “festive stress” timeline extends throughout December, with initial bursts of holiday-related stress popping up around December 13 for the average respondent. For anyone feeling less than on top of things, the turning point from mild to severe stress comes on December 18. And it peaks on Christmas Day, at 2:05 p.m., just as many families are sitting down to dinner. Sometimes people need a holiday from their holiday.

To keep pace with their chaotic schedules, many people turn to coffee (49 percent), while one in six consume energy drinks. The majority of people overload on unhealthy snacks and treats to get them through — 74 percent. Comparatively, only a quarter turn to fruit for a healthy burst of energy. But with unhealthy eating often comes regret: 60 percent of those polled said they experience guilt for their eating habits over the holidays. “The holiday season can be completely wonderful and magical — but the hustle and bustle can be draining. Unfortunately, relying on caffeine and too many unhealthy treats ultimately creates an energy lull,” said Christy Brissette, RD, spokesperson for the US Highbush Blueberry Council. “Taking a break and eating fresh fruit like blueberries, a good source of fiber and an excellent source of Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, provides an energy boost that leaves you feeling refreshed and empowered that you’re doing something healthy for yourself.”

So, my goal this year is to limit the stress and be more productive. Are you with me?! Here are 5 ways to be more productive, while limiting the stress this holiday season:

Christmas Shop Early

Make your list, check it twice, and get it done early! Then, you will avoid all of the Christmas crowds, rude people trying to find the “one” gift they absolutely need, and you will not have to worry about sprinting out the door because you forgot a gift, or you still need to do all of your Christmas shopping. Get it done early and you will be thanking me! More and more people seem to be shopping for Christmas throughout the year, in order to break up the money spent over months at a time, but it can help with stress, as well.

Plan Out Your Menu

Planning your menu in advance will help you create a plan, which will limit the stress over the holiday season. You know what you are going to make, so you can make a shopping list early and you can also make a game plan for the entire day. For example, the turkey needs to go in the oven at 10am and the beans need to be on the stove at 12pm. Plan it all out to limit the stress and be more productive, without feeling like you are missing out on spending time with your family on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

Purchase Efficient Appliances

Now that we have talked about what you can do to make the time leading up to the big day (Christmas or Thanksgiving) easier to navigate, let’s talk about the actual day. If your oven or even microwave is old, it is probably taking more time to cook your food and it is most likely not heating evenly, or properly. This is a big issue because on the day of, you need things to run according to schedule. If this is a struggle for you, I highly recommend looking into new appliances. Guy Gunter Home is the spot in Metro-Atlanta where people go when they need new appliances. Most of the time, when you shop for appliances, you go into the store and you are pretty much on your own to learn about the products. Not with Guy Gunter Home! Their sales professionals have worked closely with the appliance brands and understand each brand’s unique strengths and specifications, which allows them to match the best kitchen appliances to your home and project. It also allows them to pass on that knowledge to you so that you are able to make an informed decision. So, if you are interested in purchasing new home appliances, I highly recommend visiting Guy Gunter Home’s 5,000 sq. ft gallery showroom in Atlanta, Georgia.

Create A Checklist

“He’s making a list and checking it twice!” Take the advice of Santa by making a list and checking it twice. The more organized you are, the better (and it also means that you will be less stressed). Write down what gifts you need to get, what you need to do, and what you need to make. Checking off your list will allow you to get more done, it will limit stress, and it will keep you on track.

Don’t Multi-task

Multi-tasking can be great occasionally, but not all the time. Forbes says, “In a world of multitasking and constant distractions — from the ping of texts and emails to everyone having to wear more hats at work than they used to —  time management is one of the biggest challenges. We might feel like we’re doing more — and, in a way, we are — but we’re actually getting less done in the process. So, is it possible in this day and age to streamline your work style, be more productive and get back some time in your day to focus on big-picture stuff, strategy and brainstorming, all of which will make you more effective at your job? Yes, says Julie Morgenstern, a productivity expert and bestselling author of five books including Time Management from the Inside Out. Dubbed the “queen of putting people’s lives in order” by USA Today, Morgenstern has made it her life’s mission to help people get more out of every day and find focus in their lives, both at work and at home.”