recharge your batteryIf you answered:
A or B You’re the envy of your
friends and are setting yourself
up to get more joy out of
gift-giving while preserving your
energy for time with the people
you love.
C An organized approach
will lessen stress. Research
what you’d like to get each
person before leaving the
house, says Sara Skirboll, a
shopping and trends expert
for RetailMeNot. “Then visit
the mall one afternoon and
get what you need there, hit
a boutique store another
day and plan separate online
shopping sessions.”
D It’s time to get a little
creative. First, try to
determine ahead of time
how much you’ll spend on
each person, says Skirboll.
“With groups of friends, you
can suggest that every
person draw a name and
give a gift to only that
person,” she says. Baking is
an inexpensive way to
create teacher or workplace
gifts, and when it comes to
your children’s wish lists,
manage their expectations
with honesty and help them
save for what they want —
it’s good parenting to
teach them how to live
within their means.
STRESS FACTOR
Shopping Panic
There’s a lot of pressure to give the perfect present to everyone on your list
(and not go broke in the process). But with the right approach, you won’t have
to worry about shopping until you — and your energy level — drop.
A Piece of cake!
B I got winded and
missed a few words.
C I couldn’t get
through the song.
recharge your batteryIf you answered:
A Keep it up — your usual
exercise routine is working.
B You’re in a good spot, but
you’ll probably feel better if
you ratchet up the intensity
of your sessions. Push
yourself so that you are
breaking a sweat but aren’t
completely out of breath.
C More exercise will
transform the way you feel
physically and emotionally. In
fact, when sedentary people
start exercising regularly,
they experience a drop in
fatigue even if the exercise
isn’t vigorous. Aim for
30 minutes of brisk walking a
day (or two 15-minute strolls,
if that’s easier to fit in).
MINI QUIZ: How much
holiday shopping have
you completed?
TRY THIS: Play an upbeat
holiday song and dance
(really dance, don’t just
shuffle your feet!) while
belting out the lyrics.
How easy was it to sing
the song?
A I was finished by
September!
B I’m not done, but I feel as if
I’m on the right track.
C I’ve bought a few things,
but I’m overwhelmed by the
length of my list.
D I always go over budget,
so I’m afraid to even start.
STRESS FACTOR
skipping
the gym
Regular physical activity
will help you manage
stress as well as avoid
a midafternoon slump.
Find out whether
your fitness is at the
fatigue-fighting level
or needs a boost.
G
e
tt
y
I
m
a
g
e
s.
Health more er y, str s
DECEMBER 2019 GH 57