Embedded Files
Identifying Your Real Holiday Values:
A Worksheet To Assist in Your Stress Management
By Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.
During the course of trying to change behavior, people often discover that what they say they value and what their behavior indicates that they value are not the same thing. We may believe that we most value our family members, our home, or relationship with a Higher Power, when in fact, we spend our time, money, attention, on an entirely different list of things and activities. Our behavior does not match our values. This one mismatch can set us up for internal and relationship conflicts that creates or increases stress.
To change up old behaviors, you have to decide what you want to do differently and to identify goals for change. To help you identify the direction that you want to move into, use this exercise to identify your true values regarding the holidays.
What are my true values regarding the holidays? Rank the following items from most important (#1) to least important (#15). Read the whole list before you start assigning rank.
___ Finding just the right present for the most important people in my life.
___ Spending enough money on gifts that my loved ones know that I love them.
___ Taking the opportunity with time off from work and other obligations to spend it with my loved ones. To read and use the rest of the worksheet, follow this link: Identifying Your Real Holiday Values
Source:
The Recovering Person's Guide to Surviving and Thriving Through the Holidays Without Losing Your Sobriety or Your Sanity, (2010), Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D., Hubbard House Publishing, Stillwater, OK 74075 http://www.peggyferguson.com
The Holiday Spending Worksheet
By Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.
To download and use The Holiday Spending Worksheet, follow this link:
Cognitive Therapy for Holiday Stress: A Practical Worksheet
By Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.
Ease holiday stress with cognitive therapy, which examines how our thoughts and beliefs shape feelings and behaviors. Cognitive distortions are irrational ideas that hinder optimal functioning. They stem from sources like family, culture, and personal experiences. Sometimes linked to mental health issues or trauma, cognitive distortions color our perception of events, interactions, and perceptions. Cognitive therapy has been proven to be very beneficial for those with anxiety and depression. In the current context, cognitive therapy can be a preventive measure during the holiday season's heightened stress. By recognizing the disparity between reality and beliefs, individuals can empower themselves to let go of limiting beliefs and enjoy the holiday. Cognitive therapy can even help with choosing activities aligned with one's values and budget, thus setting priorities based on personal desires. To download the Cognitive Therapy for Holiday Stress Worksheet, follow the link:
Smart Strategies for a Stress-Free
Holiday Season:
Navigating Expenses with a Holiday Budget
By Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.
The holiday season, while filled with joy and warmth, often brings along the stress of financial planning, especially when it comes to gift-giving. In a world inundated with messages suggesting that the value of our love is measured by the presents we give, it's easy to fall into the trap of overspending. Movies like "Jingle All The Way" vividly depict the competitive nature of holiday shopping, portraying a distorted idea that the perfect gift determines our worth as parents.
This pressure isn't exclusive to parents; even adults are lured into the holiday shopping frenzy, tempted by sales and the promise of saving money on new electronics. The constant message to "spend, spend, spend" can lead us to forget the importance of maintaining our financial well-being amid the holiday cheer.
Overspending, however, often results in post-holiday remorse and financial worry. A significant part of this anxiety stems from not having a clear understanding of our financial limits. Establishing a holiday budget that aligns with our economic reality is appropriate for guiding holiday spending.
The Holiday Spending Worksheet is a valuable tool in this endeavor. This worksheet categorizes expenses into three main areas: "Celebrations," "Decking The Halls," and "Gift Giving." However, it's not just about tracking money spent; it also accounts for the valuable resource of time.
To make the most of this worksheet, one must first understand their actual financial resources. Before using your credit cards, take into account your regular monthly expenses. If budgeting is not already a habit, now is the ideal time to begin.
Create a comprehensive budget for December, including your regular expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, cable, phone, groceries, and gasoline. Remember to factor in year-end costs like insurance and taxes. Subtract this total from your December income, then enter these figures into the Holiday Spending Worksheet.
Doing this gives you a clear picture of your financial standing, excluding holiday expenses. The worksheet prompts you to evaluate your spending across different categories and ensures that your total costs are within your available resources. If they do, it's time to reevaluate and adjust your plans accordingly.
Armed with a well-thought-out plan, the seemingly overwhelming task of holiday spending becomes more manageable. Believing in your ability to achieve your financial goals significantly reduces stress. The Holiday Spending Worksheet transforms worry into proactive problem-solving, helping you navigate the holiday season with confidence and peace of mind.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse