What are your favorite ways to relax?

Stop – and really think about this!  Write a list!  What do you love doing?  How do you relax?

If I change the question to – what are your favorite ways to relax during the holiday season – does your answer change?

Now, let’s change the question one more time – think back to last year, how DID you relax during the holidays?

The holidays can be a stressful and jam packed time.   On the best day, you may already be leading a pretty busy life.  Think of the roles you play during a typical week – wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, career woman, chauffer, chef . . .

Now, that the holiday season is right around the corner, let’s add the roles of party planner, baker, social director, personal shopper, professional organizer, and more.

No wonder you may have struggled to remember how you relaxed during the last holiday season!

 

Step #7 in our journey to a stress free holiday season is to schedule self-care.

It’s unrealistic to expect that you can create the perfect holiday experience for everyone in your life – and have the energy to enjoy it – if you don’t take time to take care of yourself.

Remember – you can only fill up the cups of others if yours is full!

Follow this simple plan to create a little more balance in your life –

  • Look at the list you created at the beginning of this post

 

  • Schedule at least one relaxing activity into your calendar each week

 

  • Honor each appointment with yourself

 

Bonus Tip #1:  If you find it difficult to put yourself first, to really take time to relax – schedule relaxing activities with a friend.  It’s much tougher to cancel an appointment with your friend than it is to cancel an appointment with yourself.

Bonus Tip #2:  Even taking as little as 15 minutes a day to relax will have huge benefits.

Bonus Tip #3:  Schedule these relaxation appointments today.  The closer we get to the holidays, the less room there will be in your calendar!

If you’ve missed any previous Stress Free Holiday Posts – please click here!

 

Would you be willing to share your favorite way to relax during the holiday season?  Please post below!