…clearing clutter from your mind, body and space
Tis the season for what you may ask…. it’s not even Thanksgiving yet so I can’t think about Christmas.
We are six weeks away from Christmas now. Make this a joyful season by using a checklist and starting now to tackle those holiday to dos (and maybe take a few things off the list this year).
I address this topic each year because it is so important for me (I learned the hard way) to be present for those special holiday moments.
Huh? Why am I posting something about Christmas now you may ask. Why so early?
I am posting this now because the holidays are a stressful time of year for some. It can create thoughts of chaos and a feeling of overwhelm.
But you have a choice each year to make the upcoming season less stressful and more joyful.
Most people don’t even think about the Christmas holiday until after Thanksgiving Day which doesn’t consistently fall on the calendar each year at the same time and can leave you with only four or five weeks prior to the holiday.
If you started your holiday to dos on or around November 1 each year, you would have about eight weeks to achieve the holiday of your dreams.
This week consider creating a checklist that incorporates all the things that you want to do for the holidays and then assign them a calendar date or target completion date. Contact me and I will send you my Eight-week Holiday Checklist to use as a template for your holiday planning. All you will need to do is add the dates and tasks specific to your traditions.
Let this be a year that you look forward to and make the choice to be joyful.
When I taught a stress management program, I shared some tips about decision making which included the following statement:
When I am calm and relaxed, I will make the best decision.
Sometimes we get overwhelmed when we need to make a decision. We feel the pressure especially if we are being asked to deliver a conclusion immediately. Many times though we don’t need to decide immediately. It is only a sense of urgency. Some decisions such as an emergency do need us to decide now, but many do not. Once it has been determined that do have time to make our best choice, we can release the pressure accumulated by taking a deep breath and then schedule time later in the day or week to contemplate our choices.
Steps to help us make decisions:
When we allow ourselves time to decide we can reduce stress and make the best possible decision with the information we have.
Can you believe it? We are just six weeks away from Christmas Day 2021. Surprised?
I proposed in October to start your holiday timeline on November 1. And I realize with the busyness of life that this idea may feel uncomfortable. Let’s face it, you still have Thanksgiving Day to get through. Why would you even start thinking about Christmas so soon?
Creating a strategy with enough time to complete the things that important to you to celebrate the holiday is a form of self-care. And it is not too late, with six weeks to go, to create a shorter strategy for a holiday that brings joy instead of feelings of being overwhelmed.
See my post on Six Weeks to Holiday Survival or contact me to obtain a copy of the shorter checklist.
Do you have a support system?
A support system is a network of people who provide an individual with practical or emotional support.
A healthy support system involves you being accountable to someone, fellowship with others who have similar issues, gaining knowledge/perspective and using another resource that can improve your resiliency.
Some ideas for building your support system are:
Other things that you can do:
A support system can help during tough times by reducing stress, providing a safe space for venting/conversations. Spending time with those in your support system can help reduce your anxiety and improve your mood.
If you want to work with a life coach for accountability, contact me.