Actual photo of my kitchen a few days ago… mid upgrade. It turned out gorgeous and I am grateful for Brian just going for it and making it happen.
Let’s be honest… we are all in the throes of busyness, chaos, slammed schedules, and on the brink of stress eating a whole loaf of honey bread. I by NO means have the answers to a 100% stress free holiday and I have found these 5 tips have helped all of us here in the Lantzy household have a more enjoyable time together which really is what it is all about.
5 tips for managing stress through the holidays
Know when to say no . There is real power in saying no to things. It really makes you prioritize what a yes is and why you are doing certain things.
Know when to pause. Similar to a no and yet different. There may be times during the holidays where you need to wave a white flag and let your loved ones know, I need a minute. I purposely schedule a facial or massage for myself in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mandatory self care time, no cancellation.
Know when to say yes. There are so many parties, activities, outings, expectations and things to do during the holidays. Understand what you are saying yes to and why. Saying yes to things, people and activities that you actually enjoy will in turn relieve stress.
Know when to send it. Properly plan your absolute send it moments so that on the other side you have a minute to recoup and regroup.
Do one thing every day that sparks joy for you. It could be a long walk with your dogs, a workout class with a friend or family member, it could be an hour of reading, wrapping presents or baking cookies.
Keep your body moving. Yoga. Walk. Run. Take a friend. Try something new. Don’t wait until the New Year to start something new, begin a workout regimine or go to a class you have been wanting to try. I just had 2 friends join me in hot yoga who had never been before. I know both of them have jam packed schedules juggling family, work, life and preparing for Christmas. We had an absolute blast and will hopefully be back for more soon!!
Eat good food. You’ll of course eat some junk and maybe even a lot junk. And when you can eat high quality while foods. Keep meals for yourself and your family simple, protein, veg, salad, and some homemade honey bread of course. I will be sharing a few of my super simple totally obvious and completely delicious go to meals in the New Year.
Create traditions that are a fit for your family. About 8 years ago Brian and I decided to stay put for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had reached a limit. We realized the holidays were draining us and we wanted to feel recharged after time off not depleted. It also was the time in life where are kiddos were getting sick nearly every holiday, one or both would either get sick while we were away or they would get sick immediately when we got home. It occurred to me that we don’t HAVE to do it this way. It was one of the best decisions we made. Each side of our family knows they are invited to join us here whenever fits their holiday plans. Our holidays are now filled with puzzles and cooking, naps and movie watching, pick up basketball games, learning to knit and other soul filling, rejuvenating activities.