Decompress from holiday stress

Something ironic happens to all of us during the holidays. At a time when words like “merry,” “jolly,” “joy” and “cheer” swirl around us like snowflakes in a storm, we begin to feel pressured, like we’re responsible for bringing all those words, all those expectations, to life. And before we know it, merry becomes worry, and many of the stress points we have during this most wonderful time of the year light up like … well, a Christmas tree. Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to help alleviate the pressure we may feel to “do it all” this holiday season. Here are just a few.

Make a list — of priorities.

Gifts, guests, groceries, gatherings … good golly! Without making lists, all those holiday to-dos can pack on the stress like so many shovelfuls of snow. Lists help to make seemingly impossible tasks manageable. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, grab a notepad and prioritize. What are the “musts” and what are the “nice to haves”? Separating the two can give you a clearer picture of what’s really important and help you trim down your to-do list to something more achievable.

Say no sometimes. It’s okay.

The Johnsons are having a party. So are the Clarks, the McMullens, the Andersons. Your side of the family is doing the usual dinner and so is your significant other’s side of the family. Then there’s the Christmas play you were invited to, the parade, the ski weekend, the office party. Cloning yourself so you can attend every event is not an option (at least not now). You have to say no to someone, and that’s okay. True friends will understand. Remember: What are the “musts”?

Give yourself a gift — Me Time!

You’ve been shopping, cleaning, baking, hosting. You haven’t had a moment to yourself in what seems like months — maybe it has been months! It’s time you relax and recharge. Do yoga. Go on a nature walk. Meditate. Take a spa day. If you’re staying home, pamper yourself. Take a long hot bath and soak in the fun with one of our new Scentsy Bath Bombs! Whatever you do, let it be something that gives your mind and body the rest they need.

Live in the moment. It’s all good.

Say you’re at a party. Your kids are there. Some of your closest friends are there. You just had a delicious meal and now you’re sitting back, taking it easy. Focus on that moment. Be thankful for everyone and everything. Don’t worry about what you should have done yesterday, what you didn’t do today, or what you need to do tomorrow. Take in the right-here and the right-now, the people right in front of you and all the blessings you’ve been given. Live in the moment. It’s all good.

Have any tips of your own for relieving holiday stress? Please share!
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