If you've taken a look at the picture above, you can tell these people are stressed! "Get outta my way" and "stay back" are both not very friendly phrases to use but it shows that sometimes when we're in a panic, we tend to be very rude and inconsiderate. The word "outta" is a contraction of "out of." It's used commonly in informal speech. This phrase means, don't stand in my path, move away! "Stay back" has almost the same meaning - don't come closer, move away!
If you're feeling a bit stressed during this time of year, here's a few tips to help you deal with it:
1. STOP BEING A PERFECTIONIST
Sometimes we demand everything to go smoothly that we reject anything that is less than perfect. This is the meaning of a perfectionist - someone who demands high standard or perfection. It's not always a bad thing to be a perfectionist, but sometimes it can cause a lot of mental and physical stress. So slow down and stop demanding everything to be perfect! You don't have to buy the best gifts or have the most beautiful holiday decorations, these things are not the most important.
2. ASK FOR HELP
It's hard for us to ask for help sometimes as we don't want to bother others, but there may be people who actually want to help and would find it an honor to be asked. So don't be afraid to get some assistance even if it's from your children, sibling, coworker, or spouse. Sharing a task together can be a great way to spend time together.
3. DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF
The holiday season may sometimes seem like it's all about others - buying gifts for others, cooking for others, . Take some time to do something you like, for yourself. It doesn't have to be big, maybe sit down and enjoy an afternoon coffee, take a walk, or buy your favorite flowers.
4. HELP OTHERS
What better way to relieve stress than to focus your attention on helping others who need it? Sometimes we are so focused on ourselves and things that are not so important that we forget to appreciate all the things that we already have. By helping others, we can focus our attention on what matters most during this holiday.
5. THINK ABOUT WHATS IMPORTANT
Sometimes we are so concerned about all the little things that we forget what's important. Being able to spend time with loved ones is more important than what kind of wrapping paper to buy. Don't miss out on special opportunities by spending time stressing out on things that are not important!
Related Lessons:
Contractions
Your and You're