We are now about 3 1/2 weeks away from Christmas. The pressure is on. Holiday decorations are going up in people's homes. Presents are being bought. Cards are being written and sent out.
But obviously it's a bit different this year. We still don't know if we will be allowed to get together with family and friends. Everything is still up in the air.
Everyone wants things to return to "normal" - but we aren't even sure if we know what that means anymore. We want to feel happy and excited about the holidays - but a lot of people are afraid to let themselves even hope for some semblance of "normal". It's hard to imagine such an important holiday without family and friends.
So how do we even going about planning - for - what? The answer is - try not to think about how "not normal" things are right now and make yourself go through the motions of what you would normally do. That means decorating the house, putting on Christmas music, making an effort to write out Christmas cards - maybe even more than you usually do - reach out to people that you might not normally reach out - because they could probably use some cheering up.
Make a list of things that you need to do for the holidays - and spread them out over the next few weeks. Put them on your calendar - so that you will actually do them. Don't overload each day.
In between your tasks (shopping, writing cards, sending presents, decorating the house.....) - be sure to take care of yourself! Self-care is really important - especially during times of high stress.
Some simple self-care things you can do:
- Have a cup of tea and take some time to relax for a few minutes
- Take some time to read a chapter in a book
- Take a long hot bath - add some bath salts and candles for extra decadence
- Take a walk - in the woods or just around your neighborhood
- Watch one of your favorite movies - you deserve it
- Call up a friend that you haven't spoken to in a while
- Spend time with a loved one
- Ask your family members for help in getting ready for the holidays
We've all heard the saying "you need to take care of yourself - before you can take care of others".
Don't over-commit yourself. Spread things out over the next few weeks. Don't wait until the last minute.
And most importantly - take care of yourself!
You deserve a happy and stress free holiday season!
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Less Clutter = Less Stress SM in your home, your
business and your life
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