Holiday stress already got you frazzled? Live Well Kitsap founder, Lesli Dullum-Tutterow shares 5 ways to ensure reduced stress and a satisfying holiday season!
1. Pause before you agree to…anything! By employing what I refer to as the “60 Second Rule” and not saying yes to every request, you can more thoughtfully respond to any request. You may need 60 seconds, 10 minutes or 24 hours to consider your willingness to do what is asked of you before you reply back. Pause to consider whether this is really something you want to do and realistically have time to do. “I’ll get back with you” is a reasonable and wise response that can save you grief later. Be sure to follow up when you say you will.
2. Scale down and Simplify - While traditions are great, and many are worth keeping, there is also freedom in the simplicity of saying no more to the traditions or activities that really no longer serve a purpose or are too expensive or time consuming to add joy.
3. Get Organized with a strategic schedule - Your list of to-do’s are already longer than the hours in your day so get strategic with priorities this time of year. What can you postpone or offload? What is truly important in your personal life and work life? Which minutes and days can you reasonably add holiday preparation activities? Schedule them and be sure to include your self-care time in that schedule as well.
4. Talk with the people who mean the most. Instead of taking for granted that your niece still loves that chocolate cake that is so time consuming to make, check in this year about what is really important. Communicate so you can know what other’s priorities are (in addition to your own) and then decide from there what to say yes to and what to say no to.
5. Lay down your superman/woman cape. And while you are at it, remove that “S” from your chest. You are one person. You can’t do everything. Lean into and ask for help where you need it. Sure, the table may not be set perfectly if your 6 year-old sets it, but won’t that be part of the charm and memories? Let go of perfection and pace yourself.
