Some candlelight to relax by....
I was given free reign on what to write... Oh boy! I could write my Christmas list here for everyone else to see. But I think instead, I'm going give you a different list -- a few tips to beat holiday stress.
- Get sleep. sleep is important as the body restores itself during the sleep process
- Eat right. (Of course I'm writing this after eating a big honking piece of fruitcake. ), Make sure you get the proper amounts of protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (Fruitcake has all that, right?).
- Delegate part of your to-do list if necessary. Kelly did the right thing by delegating an item on her list (not sure if choosing me was the wisest part of the decision. LOL!)
- Set realistic expectations. Folks, let's get real. The perfect holidays only happen in books and Hallmark movies. Families, whether by birth or of choice, are all dysfunctional and crazy. Crazy Uncle Harold will always be crazy. Just choose to react differently. It's within your power. And the holidays are crazy times! Take your craziness and multiply it by the world population and you have an epidemic!
- Take some time for yourself. Set aside some time to do something you enjoy. Linger over morning coffee for a bit longer, or perhaps take a bubble bath, or drive a few streets out of your way to see some light displays.
- Do something nice for someone else. I can go on and on about this one. But sometimes just seeing someone appreciate you for what you did or who you are will give you biggest energy boost of all. And it will also provide you with a sense of peace and accomplishment.
- Be thankful. It only takes five minutes, a card, and a stamp to thank someone for a gift or kind gestures. Be a grateful receiver.
- Last but not least, Laugh. Keep your sense of humor. Laughter is the best stress reducer. It helps bring oxygen into your system. I call it breathing hard with a smile. Well, you know what I mean...
Whatever the next few weeks bring, make it a happy time.
Well done Jeanie. Best "Christmas list" ever. Happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jeanie and so very true. Perfect timing to get us all thinking about ways to spot the signs and try to take action to minimize stress.
ReplyDeleteThanks for volunteering to help Kelly. And, please let her know my recent order is one that can easily wait to the spring to ship. Absolutely not urgent in my book by any means.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Great Christmas list! I just wish I could abide by it this year:-D
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly, I think I have reached the age where I know it isn't going to be perfect, but I can love the imperfection and laugh at Crazy Uncle Harold and keep right on going.
ReplyDeleteKelly left her blog in good hands, Jeanie. Ya done good! :)
ReplyDeleteGood advice for everyone!!!! Is Kelly listening?
ReplyDeleteVery sound advice, Jean. Now if I can only make myself follow it! Happy Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Jean, and thanks for doing Kelly a favor. Now, please do her another one & make sure she READS it, and HEEDS it!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the merriest of Christmases!
I'm working on it! LOL!
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I chose NOT to stress out this year. I pulled only some of our decorations out, left the rest in the boxes. I'm making gifts, but, they aren't done yet, but, not going to stress over it, they'll get there. Skipping cards this year, I just don't have the time (I'm thinking I'm not the only one, since, for once, I haven't received a single card this year, either, how strange). Presents for the family will be simple, too. So far, my Dec is much easier to deal with than other years. Nice.
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