Parenting Pointers: De-Stressing During the Holidays

The holiday season is usually filled with so much stress and chaos.  From shopping and entertaining the family to budgeting for gifts and attending holiday parties socially and professionally, that to-do list can seem never-ending.  Between all of the holiday frenzy, how can you de-stress effectively?

 

Meet Jennifer Grace, Hay House radio host, former SAG actress, and Executive Transformational coach who now teaches Stanford University's famous Creative in Business course at the Standard Hotel in Miami, Florida. I had a chance to interview her about ways to relieve holiday stress.

Why is it even harder to balance work and life during the holiday season? 

It is harder to balance work and life during the holiday season because there are so many extra social activities and family dynamics that are being piled upon our plates. Instead of going into “overwhelm”, focus on the present moment.  

Most people get stressed out when they worry about the future or regret the past. Don’t worry if your in-laws are going to upset you this year during the family gathering.  Let go of judgment and expectations and see what organically unfolds. They might just surprise you. Also don’t regret all that you “should” have ticked off your to do list -- the season is a time for joy, focus on what’s right in front of you, like baking holiday cookies with the kids!

How can meditation and exercise help even when it seems so hard to fit them in? 

Meditation and exercise are essential especially during the holidays, which is usually a time of indulgence.  ou can enjoy the extra sweets and champagne if you stick to a daily work out routine. Meditation and exercise also raises your serotonin levels, which can keep you more happy and upbeat even when things get stressful.

If there are difficult relationships that crop up during the holidays, how can hard feelings be put aside or resolved? 

If you and your spouse or family member begin to argue during a holiday event, say, ”let’s put it in the basket” meaning, let’s shelf the issue for now so we can enjoy this party, and when you get home you can “take it out of the basket” and deal with it more appropriately when no one is around.

How can we fit in self-care? 

Carve out 30 minutes a day for “Me Time” - whether that is to take a brisk walk, a bubble bath, or get a manicure and pedicure. When you take care of yourself first, you will show up less stressed and more at ease with your family.

What can we do if there are holiday traditions we don't really like? 

Make “no” a complete sentence. Many of us try to "people please" during the holidays and overextend ourselves with too many commitments to show up at too many events. It’s ok to say no.  Pick and choose who you really want to spend time with, the rest can wait until next year.