Cleaning Tips and De-Stressors for the Holiday Season

I t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for many, this can be one of the most wonderful times of the year, and for many, this can be one of the most stressful times of the year. With all the gift-buying, traffic, cooking, cleaning, decorating, parties, travel and more – slowly but surely, the holidays can start to feel more like a job than a vacation and celebration. Getting organized and becoming more efficient about cleaning can go a long way during the holiday season. It IS POSSIBLE to sit back and enjoy the holiday season stress-free with preparation, help, and a good mindset.

Cleaning Tips

    PLAN AHEAD AND STOCK UP ON CLEANING SUPPLIES
    The kitchen, guest restroom, dining room, and entertainment room are the most common places for guests to linger during the holidays. Spending more time on these rooms, and less time on others can help alleviate stress and time. Think about what you might need to buy to get the cleaning done quicker.

    • Scrub brush
    • Disinfectants
    • Floor cleaner
    • Dish rags
    • Duster
    • Toilet cleaners

    PLAN AHEAD AND STOCK UP ON WRAPPING AND DECOR SUPPLIES
    Buying presents and decor well in advance can help get rid of last-minute chores and preparation.

    KITCHEN CLEANING
    Having space available in the kitchen can make a huge difference in stress levels. Make sure to deep clean the kitchen since this area will be the main space people/guests will linger around.

    • Clean and disinfect range or stovetop, surfaces, and grates.
    • Clean out the refrigerator before the big meal, making room for party foods.
    • Clean and shine the kitchen sink.
    • Wipe down all large and small appliances.
    • Wipe down kitchen cabinets.

    Remove unnecessary items from the kitchen that won’t be used during the holidays and store them in a temporary store away box. Now you have room for the holiday serving dishes, punch bowl, silver, and other items you’ll be using during the holidays.

    CLEAN AS YOU GO
    Keeping a kitchen clean can be easy as long as it is cleaned immediately after use. Doing light cleaning can go a long way. Starting with the most important room to the least important, grab a box and put away everything that does not belong. The more light cleaning you do means less deep cleaning before the big celebration. This makes for a stress-free clean up when in a rush.

    GUEST RESTROOMS
    One of the most common places for guests is the restroom. Make sure to have an ambient amount of toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels. Give the toilet and sink an extra scrub and disinfectant. You can also place a basket for amenities they might need or forgot to bring.

    GUEST RESTROOMS
    Cut-resistant gloves help protect the hands from direct contact with sharp materials, such as metal, glass, ceramics, and other materials. This type of safety glove is best suited for medium to heavy-duty tasks; however, they are generally not effective in protecting against power equipment or punctures.

7 De-Stress Tips

    WORKOUT
    Feeling anxious and stressed? Don't forget to exercise. Raising your heartbeat and taking time to zone out with exercise helps relieve stress, anxiety, and tension that can be so prevalent around the holidays.

    WAKE UP WITH THE SUN
    Winter months may mean dark evenings, but they also mean a natural alarm clock in the mornings. Keep your curtains slightly open to let natural light seep into your room to wake you up; you can use the extra time to meditate in the morning or feel less frenzied as you get ready for your day.

    SWITCH OFF ELECTRONICS
    Having trouble sleeping? Instead of hunching over your iPad or staring into the TV, unwind with a book or other hobby before bed.

    TAKE TIME FOR TEA
    It's one of the best ways to de-stress, so keep your teapot handy and stock up with herbal teas to beat Winter blues and help you take a break. Certain teas have sleep aids that help you relax to give you a good night’s sleep.

    LIGHT THE CANDLES
    Holidays are all about relaxing by the fire, but even if you don't have a fireplace, you can mimic the atmosphere. Stock up on seasonally scented candles, lavender, and vanilla to calm your stress.

    RAID YOUR DARK CHOCOLATE STASH
    Eating a small piece of dark chocolate a day has many benefits. Aside from its fat-burning properties and antioxidants, savoring a piece of dark chocolate can help release soothing serotonin hormones in your brain to help better your mood.

    EAT VITAMIN-C ENRICHED FOODS
    The cold-fighting vitamin is perfect for the season for another reason: vitamin C has been proven to help reduce both the physical and mental symptoms of stress. Luckily, Winter foods like oranges and brussels sprouts are available aplenty, so stock up on these stress-relieving Winter foods.

Remember What the Season Is Really About It’s not about how decorated your house is; it’s not about frantic shopping; it’s about sharing special moments and experiences with your loved ones. So, perhaps, instead of worrying about finding the best new gadget or piece of jewelry and fussing about getting it nicely wrapped, you could spend more time relaxing by the fire drinking hot tea or spending time with loved ones admiring the holiday season and sharing it with your loved ones. The sooner you realize you can’t do everything, the sooner you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the season.