#31 11 Tips to De-Stress and Simplify this December
#31 11 Tips to De-Stress and Simplify this December
Here is a link to the blog: https://www.micultivatebalance.com/blog
1) Continue to work out! Working out helps keep you sane, keeps any anxiety at bay, plus you won't gain that dreaded holiday weight.
2) Have a plan. You need a plan for gifts and a plan for food and a plan for shopping for all of it. It helps to get my shopping done as early as possible. Now, I am not an October shopper, however getting my shopping done by the 10th of Dec. makes me feel like I have a head start; plus, if I forget something, I can always go get it.
A good rule of thumb is to have your shopping done at least 4 days ahead of time. For food shoot for 2 days. Perhaps the most stressful thing about the holidays is expecting you can just go out and buy something only to find out they don't have it, the lines are too long, or everyone is moving at a glacial pace.
* Bonus: Have a mapped-out plan, including all props for your Elf on the Shelf ideas! This is a huge stressor for parents! A little planning will save you literally hours of panic throughout the month.
3) Have a staging Area. This is extremely important if you are a forgetful person. Each day or each party should have a staging area. We have a counter-top in our laundry Room that works great! I put all of the gifts and food that need to go to a holiday party in one place and grab it on the way out the door. This way I don't forget half of the gifts under the tree or my potato skins in the oven.
4) When you order gifts and groceries keep in mind shipping times. Seeing the delivery date of Dec 24 makes even the most stone-cold stomachs queasy. Speaking of gifts, you can always have activity gifts where instead of getting a physical item you take them axe throwing or to play laser tag or another fun activity. We are all missing out on those things still and doing fun activities or going places is a great way to spend quality time together.
5) Have extra gifts on hand. I am terrible at remembering things. I always make sure to have extra gifts in case I have forgotten someone or I receive an unexpected gift. Something like homemade cookies is a great gift for those unexpected neighbors that drop by with something for you.
6) Be generous. We need to remember the reason for the season and it's easy to be grateful in November and then think to yourself “screw that I've got presents to buy”. You will feel better about your holidays knowing that you have helped someone less fortunate. If giving money or gifts isn’t your thing, you can always help out by giving your time or talent.
7) Ditch the traditions you hate. I learned this the hard way. As it turns out, other people may dislike them too, don't waste your holiday season repeating traditions that you resent.
8) Do something fun! You don’t need to go to every show, or every tree lighting, choose one and enjoy it. Find a way to bring a little joy into your December. Holiday cheer helps you take a step back and enjoy what it's really all about.
REMEMBER the thought that “I want to make memories is so overrated, your kids will remember the simplest things, the easy things and doing one special thing over the course of the month is really all you need.
9) Remember that there is a shift after harvest going into the holidays and weather you still have crops in the field or not, you may have to shift some of those mindsets. So, forgive your brother, make peace with your spouse and remember what Christmas is all about.
10) If there is ever a time to set boundaries to protect your peace, it’s now. Remember how last year was the most peaceful holiday ever because most things were canceled, everything was simple and you didn’t have huge holiday expectations? Think back, and even ask your family, what parts do we want to “go back to” and what parts to be want to keep 2020 style?
Here is the two-part blog post about how to set boundaries with difficult family members and how to prepare yourself and your family for a toxic holiday party:
https://www.micultivatebalance.com/single-post/3-steps-to-set-boundaries-for-the-holiday-season-with-difficult-family-members
https://www.micultivatebalance.com/single-post/how-to-reduce-anxiety-before-christmas-and-keep-calm-during-the-holiday-madness
11) Decrease screen time and be present. The quickest way to stress and being discontent is comparing yourself to others. You can't do it all. Someone will always have a better Elf the Shelf idea, and your family needs you to be present with them because someone else's life does not matter. Create the life that you love!
Struggling with feeling content, present or joyful this time of year? Begin a Daily Gratitude Practice, it’s a 30 second per day activity that can change the way you look at your life. Check out the how-to video here. https://conqueryourpain.mykajabi.com/gratitude
Check out the corresponding blog post that goes along with this episode here. https://www.micultivatebalance.com/single-post/2018/12/05/11-ways-to-de-stress-this-december
We need you!!! Send us your weekly wins or funny things that happened on your farm or with your family at sarahz@micultivatebalance.com
If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot, post to Facebook or Instagram and tag me! And don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast to let us know your key takeaways.
Connect with Sarah Zastrow
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/2295514594092240
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throwingwrenchesmendingfences/
Website https://www.micultivatebalance.com/
https://www.throwingwrenchesmendingfences.com/
Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/micultivatebalance/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVcExxS1xgVghkfXQ7e
Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMevsHpyW/
