It is that time of year – instead of calling it the Holidays, we should call it the “Overwhelm Days”. Lots of obligations and commitments, the end of the semester grading, and the getting ready for Christmas makes the stress in my life sky rocket in December. Managing stress during this time is important not only for my health but for the enjoyment that the Holidays can bring.
Here are a few simple steps I use to help me feel more in control and a little less stressed not only during this season, but in general. Maybe you can adopt one or two.
- Take time on Sunday to create a plan
- Write out a to do list for the week. Use paper or an app on my phone (Awesome Note). Recording it takes it off my mind, and lessens my overall stress. As the week goes on, I check off what I have completed and add items as they come up.
- Plan out my menu for the week. At the end of the workday, I always stress about what to make for dinner especially when our time is short because of the kids’ activities. It is so nice having the week planned. No decisions need to be made. I just check the menu. Which means less stress and healthier meals.
- Prep snacks, veggies and fruit so they are easy to grab when I am short on time.
- Start each morning reviewing my “to-do” list. What do I need to add? What can I take off? I commit to completing 3 larger items for the day. I know that doesn’t sound like not much, but most of my days are filled with the unexpected and my plans get derailed. When I get those 3 things done, I feel successful. If I get more done – Bonus!!!
- Turn off my phone and email when I really need to concentrate.
- Work on one thing at a time. So often, I am juggling multiple tasks as once because I think it is more efficient – wrong! I am sooo guilty of this one. But, if I just focus on one task until completion, then move onto the next, I get so much more done.
- Eliminate unnecessary tasks. So often, I do things because I think “I should”. However, I know there are things on my list that I can o let go that would have little or no consequences. This is another hard one for me, but when I let some things go, my life is much more manageable. I mean who cares if the dishes don’t get done before I go to bed?
- When it i
s hard to know what to do next, ask yourself, “if I could only get one more thing done today, what would that be?” This simple question always helps me prioritize. - Say “No”. I need to protect my time and energy. I try to think carefully to before committing to an additional chore or obligation. I need to make it a habit of asking myself before making a commitment if saying “yes” makes sense. (I need help with this one big time!)
- Take care of me.
- Eat right. When I eat clean and healthy, I manage stress better. Research has shown that when our diet is high in sugar, we tend to feel more stressed.
- Drink plenty of water. Studies have shown we think better when we are hydrated.
- Get enough sleep. The average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep. I protect my sleep. I know I function better when I am rested.
- Get my workout in – 30 minutes a day clears my mind and improves my energy level and productivity. I can especially tell the difference when I get my workout done first thing in the morning.
- Lastly, go easy on myself. Some days, things simply don’t go as planned. Let it go and do the best I can.
