The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year, but the season also has a tendency of being quite stressful.

As we get older, many would prefer more relaxation as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the holidays, so Troy Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to share ways to make sure you’re enjoying a stress-free lifestyle during this time of year.

Avoid the Crowds at Busy Times

If you’re retired, try to avoid the popular times to go out and shop. Skip weekends, evenings, and lunchtime. If you’re computer savvy, you can also shop online. Lots of retailers have online-only deals and offer free shipping, so oftentimes, there are incentives to avoid the crowds.

Be Mindful of Your Calendar

Your December can fill up pretty quick if you commit to work parties, family visits, neighborhood get-togethers, and more. Don’t try to do it all — remember, saying no is okay!

Set a Budget and Stick to it

Those parties and gifts can add up to take a major hit out of your bank account, especially if you’re on a fixed income. Consider using your talents to make gifts rather than purchase them, and next year, consider spreading your shopping out throughout the year to avoid a big surprise on your January credit card statement.

Protect Your Identity

Scammers don’t take the holiday season off, rather they say “Bah, humbug” and try to make life miserable for people when they are more prone to spend money. Be sure to shop at reputable online sites, do not make credit card transactions over public Wi-Fi, and be aware of people calling you and requesting charitable donations. You can always ask for their phone number and call them back to ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate operation.

To learn more about Troy Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/troy_center/.