Parents are inevitably asking Coach Deborah at this time of year how to manage the stress the holidays can bring along with the joys. It’s essential to keep up with self-care during the holidays and find the little moments of quiet for yourself.
Decorations, homemade treats and the love of family and friends are some of the treasures the holidays are made of. In addition to all of those warm fuzzies are: the out-of-town guests, more cooking, more cleaning, more spending and just plain more.
While many people are taking time off from work, for moms, holidays are double or triple time for us.
So I’d like to give you a few things to consider right here in the middle of the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
- Express gratitude every day, preferably in writing. In the midst of busy and stressful times, it’s best to focus on what’s right in front of you. In fact, I start every coaching session with, “What are you grateful for?” When you begin with gratitude, whether you’re beginning your day, your vacation, your coaching call, it shifts the energy to the positive. It doesn’t mean there aren’t difficult things to deal with, but it helps to not focus there.
- Move that body. Go for a brisk walk, take a stationary bike ride, do a few yoga poses. Do something. This helps for several reasons. It will release some endorphins, will reduce stress and depression and may help with a few of those extra holiday calories.
- Guard your rest and your sleep. These are actually two different things. Rest is the ability to unplug, both figuratively and literally. The other represents the actual hours you are sleeping. Your body needs both especially during busy or stressful times.
- Feel your feelings. Don’t push them down or stuff them. Reason? When we don’t allow ourselves to feel our feelings we may eat or drink them instead. Be aware of how you’re feeling and give yourself the grace and space to work through it.
- The gift of saying no. You don’t have to attend every party you are invited to; you don’t have to buy everyone a gift. This is not the time to get in debt by spending more than your budget allows for.
Step back and start with #1 on this list again and again. It’s a great way to keep the main thing as the main thing. Which will always be the love of those we love and the gift of being together. As the old saying goes, time waits for no one. What a great gift to sit and simply be in the presence of our loved ones this holiday season.
For more tips on self-care visit www.deborahporter.net.
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