It is inevitable that the Holidays create stress and anxiety for many. What we can try to control is how and what we do to try not to add more to our “plates”. Here is a list that I created of things that work for me along with things I want to do do.
- Know what’s important. Keep the focus on what matters- being with loved ones and creating memories. At the end of the day, the things that will be remembered, are the moments you made. The silly moments, the laughter shared and the fun had. Whether or not the table has place cards and coordinated napkins, will not matter!
- Boundaries. They are our friends. I learned that in my first corporate job. You have the right to set limits and you do not have to answer the questions you don’t want to. If someone crosses a line, reply have a reply set in your mind and use it!
- Let go of control. Know what you can control, and let the rest go. It is so freeing.
- Don’t try to clean your whole house! If you are hosting, remember, no one is going to go into your bedroom or the kids rooms. If they do, refer to #2. 🙂
- Prep what you can in the days leading up to the Holiday.
- Have lists . I write everything down. Even the fact that I need to shower. Seeing it all allows me to plan and manage my time . Plus, I love to cross things off my list!
- Breathe
- If you are hosting, ask for help.
- Be Grateful. Find that inner moment to hold onto some gratitude. We all have things we can be grateful for.
- Take care of you. Sleep, exercise , drink water. If you can, take 15 min to do nothing!