Happy Holidays! This time of year brings on tons of fun, but also stress. Whether it’s money issues, family situations, work overload, overscheduling, or just simply too much to do, most of us find it hard to not be a little wiped out in the month of December. Right now I’m working on not getting too caught up in things, but it’s still tough.

After having some experience with stress and burnout (who hasn’t???) I’ve learned to use some simple strategies to prevent it from being the focus of my time. Here are my top 4 ways to stay sane during the ramp up to the holidays, or anytime.

1. Make real space in your day: Schedule your breaks, and take them! The night before plan out your vision for the next day. Buffer the mornings and evenings with a little down time. For me, if I don’t schedule things, they don’t happen!! I use google calendar to map out my whole week every Sunday night. It syncs with my phone, so I can make changes on the go.

2. Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep. This keeps the stress hormones in your body lower, boosts your immune system and allows your body to heal. Eat well, drink your water, take your vitamins. Do not wait to be really sick to do this. Feeling nourished, rested and balanced in your body allows you focus and have energy to take on the tasks in your day without distraction. Take some time to slow down and enjoy a meal, even if it’s not a fancy one. Move your body every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

3. Surround yourself with stuff you like. This may sound weird, but for me, little things like this go a long way. It might not seem like it’s totally essential for your physical health, but just think of how your mood affects your stress level. Small details can make a big difference in how you feel. For instance, I love the Kiehl’s Coriander scented body lotion, so I picked some up the other day just because I know I’m going into a busy couple of weeks before the holidays. Whether it’s a piece of art, a scented candle, fresh flowers, your favorite song, or whatever floats your boat, make it a point to proactively design your environment this way. Right now I’m in a cozy Starbucks and they are playing Christmas music. Just the vibe of the coffee smell and the music is so inviting. I can only imagine what it would be like if they were playing heavy metal and the room smelled like garbage. How are you creating your environment to support yourself?

4. Think of what you are grateful for. Make a list or even just pick one thing. Even if you feel like your life is in the toilet right now, there’s gotta be something you can find gratitude for. This works because it changes your perspective, even if for only a few minutes. How about the fact that you don’t have to worry about the sun rising each day, or that someone else had to invent the pipes that bring you hot running water? It might sound silly, but theres a lot of good stuff going on. I used to take so many things for granted, but just thinking about what I have in my life right now – (my family, friends, freedom, food, great teachers, my health) and how it would be if I didn’t have them – makes me feel so grateful for so many things.

I hope this helps
Please share any other ideas/comments. It not only helps me to know what you would like to hear more of, but it gives other readers good insight too!!

xoDanielle