Alleviating Holiday Stress - Self-Care

Let’s begin this holiday season putting ourselves at the fore-front of everything that we do.

Yes, you read that correctly! I know, this doesn’t sound at all like holiday cheer does it? But how many times in the past have we said yes to something and then been mad or displayed passive/aggressive behavior…. “I’ll go… but unconsciously be witchy about it!” Or “I’ll do that…” but then give the silent treatment or cold shoulder to another. Let’s not do that this year.

We began September this year unveiling an awareness campaign of the extreme importance of Self-Care in our everyday lives. Taking care of ourselves is not really an option, it is our responsibility not only to ourselves but to our loved ones as well. We need to be sure that we’re in the best physical, mental and emotional health possible to ensure that we have the energy and resources to care for those we love. (Just not at the expense of our happiness and well-being.)

Let’s take this new found information into one of the most stressful times of the year… the holidays… where we can take on too much… say yes to too many things… and find ourselves not only frazzled but resentful as well.

What are some things that we can do to help alleviate some of the pressure and make the holidays more joy-filled for not only ourselves but for those around us as well? For the ease of the season, all we need to remember are just a couple of things.

1. Only do the things that bring YOU joy! Don’t do anything from obligation or guilt.) When we’re happy, that translates to everyone around us being happy too.

2. Ask for what you need and accept the help without trying to control the outcome. This will take trusting that everything will be perfect just the way it is.

Then simply say “Thank you, you have no idea how much what you’ve done to help me means to me.” That’s it. We can just start with these two simple things to help make the holidays less stressful. Now, go ahead and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest with a new sense of peace and relaxation. (PS… your new found sense of peace and relaxation will translate to those around you!)

HOLIDAY STRESS?

Doing too much for the holiday season? Others expecting too much from you? The real question is… are you expecting too much from yourself?

Is your list endless of "to do's" that are really all about the stories you're telling yourself. "I have to clean before I leave. I have to change the oil in the car. I have to… I have to…

STOP! Who says you do? Where are those little voices coming from? Are they telling you that you're not good enough if you don't?

Take a look again and see if you can eliminate something. Try doing only the things that bring you joy! Try to eliminate anything that you use the word "should' before. Is there something that you can ask for help with? Will you ask? Will you accept it the way they do it without having to have it done your way?

Can you relax? Can you breathe?  Try to not think of the holidays as a destination but a journey. Be in the moment with each adventure and enjoy the things that you say YES to!