10 ways to reduce stress this Raya

Malaysia is the land of festivals and festivities. It is also the land of holidays and more holidays – ranking number 23 in the global index of countries with the most public holidays. Here is a list of tips that will help parents stress-proof the festivities and help children too, who are often neglected in the rush of it all.

#10 - Keep calm and Raya!

Children tend to duplicate our actions and words without us realising it. If you let your Raya stress get to you and your spouse, soon your little ones will be displaying similar techniques when dealing with stress. That is NOT what Raya is about in the first place. Remember, children see, children do.

# 9 - Define the times you set

We are functioning on Malaysian time here people! And Malaysian time can drive people crazy. If you are organizing an open house, do specify the visiting hours, especially if you have babies at home who need more rest than the older kids. Vice versa, please respect other people's invitation timings. It does not benefit anyone for you to be "fashionably late".

#8 - Acknowledge your feelings about festivals

People have many reasons not to look forward to a holiday or festival – deaths of loved ones, reminder of a sad event, financial problems, etc. Acknowledge that you would rather be uninvolved in any celebration or tell your family you are unable to attend. Explain why if you deem it necessary. It might be awkward, but it will be worth it for you to remain stress-free.

#7 - Eat and exercise intelligently

Watch your calorie and sugar intake during this holiday season. Most of us are guilty of putting on the kilos even before Syawal! Remember we still have 30 days of Raya food to get through. Save the trouble of medeical attention post Raya so pace yourselves!

#6 - Giving 'duit raya' can break your back!

When it comes to distributing 'duit raya' for your nephews and nieces, deciding how much to spend can be a headache. Standardise the cash according to age. That is the easiest and most appreciated way. However, 'zakat' has to be 'ikhlas'. So if you can afford more, why not?

#5 - Watch your budget

It is all well and good to buy lots of new outfits, foods and associated festival paraphernalia, but the bills have to be paid sooner or later. The same goes for 'duit raya' planning. Budget well so that you won’t crash and burn, and break into sobs of sorrow when the bills start pouring in after the festivities are over and cold.

#4 - Be a Malaysia-Malaysian.

This being Malaysia, you may have people from many cultures and religions visiting your home. Have foods and different sections of the space you are using, so that guests can find spaces and groups they are comfortable siting down and chatting with. The more your guests enjoy, the more you'll enjoy.

#3 - Share the work

You may have guests who are really close friends, or family members who are visiting but using your home as the central point for celebrations. Define all the work that needs to be done, and distribute them. When you use someone else’s home the following year, it will be your turn to accept delegated work. 'Mari bergotong-royong!'

#2 - Anticipate conflicts

Sometimes family members do not get along. (Okay, most of the time). It is normal and everyone must learn to accept it. It is quite okay for you as the host to openly declare this, and ask everyone to behave themselves in the spirit of celebrations and having a good time, and maintaining a stress-free atmosphere.

#1 - DO NOT neglect your sleep.

Across the board, it has been found this is the number one cause of stress during festivals. Get 8 hours of sleep, and stress-proof your Hari Raya. Plus you will look good, feel great and will be in tip-top form to show off all that you have been working for the year leading up to Hari Raya.

Selamat Hari Raya!

That’s that then for a stress-free Hari Raya celebration, and for any other celebration and festival that always is coming along in Malaysia. Selamat Hari Raya! Related: Etika berbelanja untuk keperluan Hari Raya Related: Buffet Ramadhan sekitar Lembah Klang Sources: Holiday Stress and Anxiety in Children How moms can avoid holiday stress 7 Ways to Squelch Holiday Squabbles Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress How to Avoid Stress During the Holidays

Theva Nithy

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