Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least
Goethe
Here we are at the beginning of December and everyone is overwhelmed already. If you’re from the States, you’re going to just barely get over Thanksgiving in time to start all over again for Christmas (here in Canada we get another month to recuperate as our Thanksgiving is in October).
Want to get through Christmas with some sanity?
Ok, here are some tips:
1. Check out sites that help you organize Christmas carefully, step-by-step. Just do a search for “Organized Christmas” and see what you get. Set up a system that will work for you in the time you have.
2. Lower your standards Potluck your dinner, minimize your decorating, you can even do take out, for heaven’s sake. I mean Christmas is about people, not about the exact recipes for dinner. If folks are so all-fired insane about wanting to eat their favourite recipes at Christmas time, spread those recipes throughout December, and then enjoy something simple at Christmas.
3. Reduce Your Schedule Take EVERYTHING off your schedule that you don’t absolutely have to do. Instead of major workouts at the gym, take walks outside. Instead of getting to every mom meeting, take the month off and use the time you save to pamper yourself a little.
4. Sleep more Try and get as much sleep as you can over the next few weeks so that you aren’t tired and cranky. Do whatever it takes to get a 10-15 minute power snooze in the middle of your day as well.
5. Eat high nutrition Tis the season to eat crazy amounts of sweets and junk. Whenever you’re not in a situation where food is placed in front of you, make sure you only put high nutrition in your mouth. “Superfoods” such as hot peppers, Garlic, onions, leeks, walnuts, acai fruit, beans and lentils, almonds, blueberries, tomatoes, spinach, pomegranates, kefir, and pumpkin (without the sugar etc. in pumpkin pie!) are the kinds of foods you should be including in your diet. Work hard to eat super nutrition at home, and then don’t worry too much about what you eat when you’re out.
6. Walk outside The slower rhythm of walking, the deep breaths of fresh air and the energizing solar power of the sun will go a long way to keeping stress under control this season. Two to three 20 minute walks a day will make you feel like a new woman!
7. Hug your family at least 3 times a day When we’re stressed we tend to shout, pick, and nag. Diffuse this desire by getting yourself to hug your family any time you want to shout at them. Just hold them close until the desire to yell passes, have a giggle, talk about the situation, and move on. Hugs are hugely therapeutic, and we never get enough of them.
8. Diffuse relaxing scents in the air with aromatherapy Try scents like lavender, frankincense, patchouli, and rosewood. You’ll need to be careful about using oils if you have health concerns or are pregnant or nursing – check with a professional first.
There you are! I hope that helps you have a delightful, relaxing, sensational Christmas!
Darlene Hull is a normal, imperfect mom. Join her at her website at http://www.mom-defrazzler.com where she helps moms get from chaos to calm. You can also download her free Mom-Defrazzler Tool while you're there
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