Frugal Patti

I heard some great tips the other day on reducing stress from work. Although these days much workplace stress is trying to get or keep a job, I though these were some great tips to make life less stressful. First, before you leave work get ready for the next day. Make tomorrow’s to-do list (to get these items of your mind) and return any calls or emails that you need to. Then on the way home, take this time to relax from the day and decompress. Use this time to listen to the music or audiobook that you’ll enjoy. Then lastly when you get home, take some time (if only 30 minutes) to enjoy friends and/or family. Have fun with them. Play catch with the kids, walk around the block and chat, or relax with a glass of wine (or tea) and the TV off. It is so important that we take time for ourselves, family, and friends. Life is short, and we get so busy that we don’t always make time for the really important stuff.

I’ve heard many stories lately about families not taking the medications that were prescribed due to their financial situation, or at the end of last year people were packing their doctor’s offices to get in that last visit before a new deductable season. This is one area of our lives that should be one of our highest priorities. Prevention and regular medical attention can highly reduce our medical issues and expenses. By eating properly and partaking in regular exercise (in this is not part of your regular routine try a 30 minute walk), you can feel better, reduce stress, have more energy, and fight off some of the typical ailments. If you do happen to be under the weather, make sure you take care of the situation before it can get worse, such as, by taking care of minor allergies, sinus infections can often be reduced or eliminated; or by doing prescribed exercises after a physical injury, further injuries or more complicated problems can be prevented.

Disney announced today that they will be offering free multi-day tickets to US military personnel (both active duty and retired) in the 2009 year, under a program called “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute”. In Walt Disney World, Florida it will be a 5 day park hopper ticket, and at Disneyland Resort, California they are offering a 3 day park hopper ticket. Each US military service member or their spouse can also purchase reduced rate tickets for other family members. Walt Disney World in Florida is also offering 40% off on some of their resort. Disneyland Resort in California is offering discounts on their resorts also, but I’ve not been able to find any specifics in writing for their offers. For additional detail on the Walt Disney World offers and any restrictions, you can refer to their web site at www.disneyworld.com/military. More information on the Disney Resort offers can be obtained by calling 714/956-6424.

Many people are behind on their Christmas (or other holiday) duties. Even through we may have forgotten someone from that massive gift list and no longer have time to send a gift, there are still options that will arrive in time. Many companies now will email gift certificates to the gift recipient with your greeting and/or allow you to print it on your printer to give. These instant gifts can be a life saver for our fast paced lives. My favorite is Amazon due to their wide variety of products. I think anyone would be able to find a gift they enjoy. Another good option is Netflix for DVD rentals. I hope these tips help with your last minute shopping.

Freecycling is not as well known as it should be, especially in our economic situation. But, it is such a logical solution to many current issues we face. Too often we discard items that are still in good shape and working condition. The best known alternative to filling our landfills with usable goods is recycling. Recycling, even though it’s a great alternative may not be the best, since large amounts of energy are typically needed for the process. Reusing all that we can is our best solution. Freecycling is a great tool to find those that can use your no longer needed item(s), and to find items that others no longer need that you can use. Just as the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This is so true, and the process is quite easy also.

Register at Freecycle.org for a group (or groups) in your area. After you are registered, you can make requests and offers. What a great way to help others, yourself, and the environment.

Many families want to give back to their communities or the less fortunate this time of year, but may be going through a difficult time themselves (financially) this year. There are many ways that we can all give of ourselves. Our time and skills are very valuable and should not be overlooked (at times worth more than any money we could give a charitable cause).

Volunteer Match connects volunteers with needs in your community or virtually. Someone looking for a volunteer opportunity just needs to go to their web site and search for an opportunity by location (or virtually) and by keywords that interests them. Opportunities are available for a wide variety of causes, with just as wide of a variety of skills needed. This is also a great opportunity to do something with your family or friends.

In a season where so much is being asked of us financially, it is time to think of the reason for the season. If a religious celebration is what you truly believe in (like me), you know that either the birth of Christ or the Chanukah is your focus. Others enjoy the non-religious celebration of Santa and/or the Christmas tree. The one thing that all of these celebrations have in common is the tradition of spending time with family. There are many free and festive entertainment options available this time of year. Churches and Temples (it doesn’t have to be one you belong to) have festive performances and candlelight services. Schools (don’t forget to check local high schools, colleges, or community colleges) have plays and choir or band performances. And don’t forget a drive or walk around the neighborhood to look at the lights. Slowing down and spending time with your family important this time of year as always, but this is the season we are all so busy it’s easy to forget this.

“Take Time…”

 Take time to pray…it help to bring God near and washes the dust of earth from your eyes.

Take time for friends…they are the source of happiness.

 Take time for work…it is the price of success.

 Take time to think…it is the source of power.

 Take time to read…it is the foundation of knowledge.

Take time to laugh…it is the singing that helps with life’s loads.

Take time to love…it is the one sacrament of life.

 Take time to dream…it hitches the soul to the stars.

 Take time to play…it is the secret of youth.

 Take time to worship…it is the highway to reverence.

-Author Unknown

 My husband returned from his aunt’s funeral with this poem in the tribute to her. At a time like this is really makes you think about what is important in life. Spending time with out loved ones and enjoying live is priceless. When a loved one passes away either unexpected or due to a long illness, all we are left with is the memories. We need to all take time from our busy lives to do what is really important, making memories with our friends and family.

As many people this holiday season are without work or not sure their job will be there in the near future, this is a very good time to change our thought pattern of what is important during this holiday celebrations. Although gifts are part of many holiday traditions, they should be a symbol of the holiday not the main focus. Going deep into debt for “stuff” is not a true gift to anyone (especially you). Think creatively this year and spend time making memories with your friends and family. That is the true holiday gift.