5 Tips to Help Calm Holiday Overwhelm

In conversation, I’m hearing the sentiment of overwhelm from just about everyone.

Too much. Too many. Not enough time.

Decorations, parties, gift wrapping, cards, playing chauffeur, appointments, work. Time for you—WHAT?

Let’s be realistic. Stuff has to get done and somebody’s got to do it. Odds are good that someone is YOU. 

I’ll be brief, since I know you’re in a rush to get to the next email or pack a lunch or something.

Here are 5 tips to help you through the craziness, and a link to my yummy, easy, “great for leftovers” Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup recipe.

1. Laugh and commiserate with friends. My calendar book (no, I still don’t use my phone because I like paper and ink) looks like it belongs to a 5-year-old with all the cross outs and rewrites. Whatever. Having some silly time over a meal with good friends is great therapy to relieve stress. Guess what? They’re all stressed too. Get the commentary (aka whining) about it out of your system and move on. You’ll feel better.

2. Eat a salad. You’re hungry, short on time, not in the mood for anything in particular and need to eat. When this describes my life (most days), I eat a salad. You get a good load of vegetables into your day. Toss in any leftover chicken or meat for extra protein. If you have a hard-boiled egg, that works too. Keep salad supplies on hand so that it’s easy to throw together. FYI, I buy mixed greens in the box or bag for convenience. That’s cheating, you say? No, it’s a shortcut. I typically follow the salad with a bit of dark chocolate.

3. Sleep. I covered this topic in last week’s blog, but in case you forgot, sleep is important to not feel as stressed. Everything is better when we’re well rested. Resist the temptation to stay up way too late. You’ll feel grumpy the next day and your family and friend won’t like you so much.

4. Stay grounded. Remember to use the practices that work for you, whether it’s prayer, meditation, exercise, vacuuming, scrubbing toilets, all of the aforementioned. My attitude about cleaning changed when I realized I could pretend I’m in silent retreat as I pray and clean my home at the same time. No plane ticket required. 

5. Be okay with good enough. Usually everything gets done just in the nick of time. While you may have some expectations that fall flat, it’s probably not a crisis. Enjoy the season and let go of perfectionism. When a day feels too burdensome, revisit tips 1 through 4.

Here’s a link to the recipe I promised. It’s quick and easy when you’re in a hurry and need a hearty meal.

Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

Cheers to you,
Health Coach Carol

“All is calm all is bright.”