By Shann Vander Leek
The holidays can prove to be a highly demanding and stressful time. Several of my life coaching clients are under loads of pressure right now because of what feels like a Tidal wave of things to do in the next month. If you are feeling stressed out, the following suggestions may be just what you need to help you reduce overwhelm and regain balance in your life this holiday season.
Plan and Create Task Lists: Prioritize and schedule specific days for shopping, baking, partying and other activities. Creating an actionable plan will make you feel more in control of your responsibilities.
Acknowledge How You Feel: You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. If you are feeling blue reach out to a good friend or family member for some laughs. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community events or volunteer your time. If you are feeling overwhelmed stop and assess what you can let go of.
Breathe: Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Reduce stress by clearing your mind, nurturing your body and finding inner calm. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Reduce stress by clearing your mind, nurturing your body and finding inner calm.
Delegate: You do not have to do everything on your own. Ask the people who love you for help. It’s amazing how much friends and family are willing to step up and chip in. People like to feel useful and needed. Do you think Martha Stewart takes care of all the details?
Get Real: The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes. This year we have completely switch up our regular game plan and it feels good!
Say NO Thanks: Saying yes when you really want to say no can leave you feeling resentful and totally overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every holiday event or activity. You have permission to say no thank you.
Continue Healthy Habits: Overindulgence contributes to additional stress and guilt. Plan to enjoy healthy food before holiday parties so that you don’t inhale too many decadent treats. Do your best to to get plenty of sleep, physical activity and down time to nourish your mental and physical health.
Planning for the holidays can be a lot of fun. All you need to do is create a plan, ask for help and honor yourself. You deserve to eliminate the self-induced stress of the holidays and enjoy this time of year!
If you want more information about overcoming stress and anxiety, you are welcome to visit www.anxietyslayer.com for additional posts, podcasts and ideas created to help you wipe out anxiety and get on with enjoying your life.
Shann Vander Leek, successful television broadcast maven turned international life on your terms accelerator, yogini and author of Life on Your Terms: The Support You Need to Follow Your Passion From Inspirational Entrepreneurs. Unconventional and delightfully curious; she is a wildly sought-after transition coach who inspires powerful women in career transition to get focused now, follow their passion and create more balance in their lives. Shann invites you to step on the gas and accelerate your life on your terms with her signature Accelerator Sessions. You can find her on Twitter @ShannVanderLeek or at www.truebalancelifecoaching.com
