Five Steps to Stressing Less This Holiday Season

For many people, especially women, the holiday season is a month plus of preparing, worrying and shopping.  It is another job often on top of working and taking care of your family.  Here are some tips to manage the stress this time of year can bring out.

1. Take care of yourself.  This holiday season try to really choose what is most important.  That may mean doing less adn crossing some activities off your list.  By making yourself a priority, you're also less likely to sabotage yourself and instead set aside time to exercise or soothe yourself in a healthy way.
2. Make regular emotional deposits.  Take a good look at how you are interacting with the people you love how matter the most.  Is your exchange with a spouse or children always about the "to do" list?  Simple deposits - a smile, attentive listening, touch, validation and affirmation will help you feel the love and connection you really crave.
3. Focus on what matters most.  During the holidays, we have a tendency to stress more about material items/gifts instead of focusing on what means the most to us - our relationships.  Take a moment to create a gratitude list of what you most appreciate and what you really need fulfilled in life.  After the holidays, talk with your family about what was most important to them and write it down so you remember for next year.
4. Maintain healthy boundaries.  It's important to protect yourself from common invaders such as jobs, too much activity, intrusive family or friends, telephone, computer, TV etc.  It's ok to say no.  You may need to re-evaluate whether you're tring to do too much.
5. Live your truth.  The holidays are a great time to think about your mission statement for life for the next year.  As yourselves, "Is this the life I want to be living?"  Seek help when you feel stuck.

From Ann W. Smith, LMFT, Executive Director of Breakthrough at Caron