Stress during the holidays is probably the worst kind of stress. Many of us strive for perfection, especially during the holiday season. Add to it a little SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder - seasonal depression often in the Fall/Winter seasons), and well this time of year can feel overwhelming.
Make sure you take a step back and realize that its okay to not be perfect. Sometimes the imperfect days are better than the perfect days because you are enjoying your time more rather than stressing everything to be perfect. As my business coach says, "Perfect is good but done is better". I couldn't agree more!
Here are few of my favorite "survival tips" to get you through the busy holiday season.
Do NOT Cram: The holidays should not hold more stress than a normal day in your life. Try to keep life the same through the holidays and knock off 1-2 things on your list in a day instead of cramming your days full of errands. I know you are saying yeah right, I have a million things to do. Totally understand. Prioritize 1-2 things and aim to get those done. The rest = bonus.
Hide: Fill that bubble bath up Sister! Light some candles, dim the lights and lock the door behind you. Take 30 minutes to an hour to yourself. I promise the kids will not kill each other and your significant other probably won't even notice you are missing. Ask me how I know this! LOL.
Walk it off: Take time to fit in that workout or a small walk. Studies have shown that it helps decrease anxiety and increase sleep!! A short walk may clear the brain enough to get you back on track to thinking about things you need to do.
Pop a Melatonin: Melatonin can be a save all when night time comes your brain starts to race of all the things you still have to do to prepare for the holidays. But those things on your list aren't going to help you get well rested. You need 6-8 hours of sleep at night taking a natural sleep aid can help you get that shut-eye during the holidays.
Remember to take care of yourself this holiday season. No one wants to deal with a holiday zombie!! Nor do you want to feel like a zombie during the holidays. It is okay to be perfectly imperfect, many times no one else will notice you being imperfect other than yourself.
With love,
Jackie