5 tips for a stress-free Sallah celebration

We all love the idea of inviting people over to partake in festivities (including the ever-tempting fried ram meat) of Sallah. However the stress that could be a result of that can build up, sometimes without us noticing. While in the thick of planning a memorable Sallah, juggling an epic to-do list means stress will certainly be involved.
Weekend Magazine spoke to a number of people who shared invaluable tips to ensure a stress-free Sallah.
Plan ahead
Malam Abdullahi Yusuf, a Civil Servant, says he avoids stress during festive seasons by planning things gradually, ahead of time, so that he does not have to start thinking about details like buying rams late in the day. “I’m glad my wife is like that, too, as she plans everything from the kiddies’ clothing to her own and every last detail a whole month before the day. This way, we are guaranteed to be stress-free,” he said. “I just relax and everything unfolds perfectly,” he said.  
Avoid last-minute shopping
Mrs. Fureu Bagel lectures at Bauchi State University. “The best way to have a stress-free Sallah celebration is to ensure that you have all you need on time. Don’t wait until the last minute to go shopping. Also, buy all you need before the market becomes chaotic and the traders start hiking prices. Cook on time, also, so as to avoid been embarrassed in case you have early birds as guests,” she said, adding that she also co-opts her husband to do things like taking the kids out to watch the durbar and other Sallah delights.
Engage in charity
Hajiya Safiya Datti, an entrepreneur, says for a start she plans menus and recipes ahead of time, but indicated that what really de-stresses her is engaging in charity. “I make sure I keep my menus simple and tasty, since it is a cultural thing at home to share meat and meals to the less-privileged. “Charity relaxes the mind, body and soul,” she says.
She also added: “It is also important to be realistic and stick to budgets,” blaming stress on unrealistic expectations in terms of shopping. “We should cut our coats according to our sizes,” she said.
Eat, rest and play
Doctor Ohanyido Francis suggests a healthy dose of reality for a stress-free festive season.  “The holidays present a dizzying array of demands: parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining and many more but the most important thing is for people to get adequate rest. Most people tend to want to work into the night in trying to beat time for cooking and still wake up early in the morning meaning they had less than three hours of sleep. Sleep in this period is very necessary; we all need at least 7-9 hours of sleep to be able to function properly. Another aspect is to make sure that we eat healthy food during this period; we are prone to get off but then keeping to the right diet and not to over indulge in unhealthy eating.”
Dr. Francis summed it up by recommending a massage and plenty of green tea after the hectic holiday.
Time with family
Muhammed Jammal, who owns Monolisa Park, a recreational centre in Asokoro, Abuja,  says giving your family a perfect get-away treat a day after Sallah celebrations is among the best ways to avoid stress. “This way, you will make out time for yourself to take a breather without distractions,” he said. “Listening to soothing music while relaxing also helps relieve any stress-related issues,” he added, explaining that simple things like relaxing or having a nice, simple picnic under the shade of a tree can do wonders.