It’s almost the end of the year, the middle of November and this ushers in the busiest and often the most STRESSFUL time of  the year.

 

Entertaining, colder temperatures, shopping, family, events, parties, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, can you say yikes!! If these words send you into a tizzy or make your blood pressure rise, listen up….I have some tips that will help you get through this next couple of weeks with your mind and your sanity intact.

1. Decide What You Don’t Have To Do

Before things gets really busy and your todo list gets packed think ahead.  Look at your schedule now and think about setting some limits.  Limit your time, your pocketbook and your stress.  If you can only attend 10 events this season, put your favorite 5-6 events on your schedule now, then leave the other slots for unplanned events.  Once your quota is filled start turning down invitations or honestly assess your schedule and say no when you need to.  Same thing is true for your pocketbook, if you can only afford to spend $500 this year, don’t spend $800 and attempt to fix it after the new year.  Set a budget and when the money is gone, it’s gone.

2. Pay Attention To Your Body

Our bodies talk to us ALL THE TIME, the question is are you listening.  Headaches, anxiety, insomnia, back pain, stomach discomfort, colds and even constipation is your bodies way of trying to get your attention and telling you to slow down.  Listen!! Exercise, get extra rest and know when your body is sending you distress messages.

3. Eat Clean

This time of year weight gain is not just common, you can almost expect it.  Cakes, big meals, going out to eat, longer hours, on the go meals most of these things spell extra pounds.  To combat this trend, do yourself a favor and pay attention to what you eat when you can.  Eat more fruits and vegetables, stay away from heavy meals right before bed, stay away from sugary snacks and meals with high sodium.  The better you eat, the better you will feel.

4. Find Shortcuts

You don’t have to do everything so be smart with your time and find shortcuts that will help you stay ahead of the game.  Try on-line shopping. Get gift cards. Order food from stores that offer healthy options, think about holiday meals ahead of time and don’t feel bad about ordering your big items like turkey or ham or even ordering sides.  Call your favorite restaurant and ask if you can order a large serving to bring to holiday parties or get togethers so you don’t have to cook.  Remember: where there is a will there is a way!

5. Give Yourself a BREAK

Newsflash:  things will not go according to plan so be prepared.  You will need more time than you think to do just about everything so be very conservative with your time and your energy.  Give yourself permission to take stay in if you are tired.  Don’t feel like you can be everywhere, get rid of the guilt and remember it’s your holiday too and you should be able to enjoy it just like everyone else.