This time of year is filled with year-end deadlines at work, holiday parties, family dinners and travel. While many of you look forward to the holidays just as many of you start to feel the stress beginning to build. It's time to take control before the pressure starts. This year can be different if you let it be! Work deadlines don't go away so block time and begin to tackle them. Remember you don't usually have to do it all at once. Chunk it down one hour or thirty minutes at a time. Ask for help if you need it and just get going so that every day you make some progress until you are done. You'll sleep a lot better knowing you are going forward rather than waiting till the last minute to start. It is important to know that you do have choices about holiday parties. You get to decide which ones you wish to go to. If it feels like a " should" just say no or if you feel you must make an appearance even if you don't want to, only stay for a short time. Remember you are in control and will have no one to blame but yourself for creating the stress around holiday parties. Make the schedule work for you. Believe me no one wants to be around you if you are behaving as if you don't want to be there. Spending time with family members can create a lot of stress for several reasons. One can be the pull of all the different sides of the family wanting your presence and attention. Decide what your comfort zone is and stick to it. Yes, there may be some compromising along the way but you need to stick close to what works for you or the stress will begin to mount and you will end up resenting everyone. As for the annoying relatives, we all have a few that we dread seeing and that seem to continually cause discord with everyone they come in contact with. Keep in mind they behave this way because of their own insecurities. Think of healthy ways to engage with them. If you let go of your own ego and judgment about their behavior and speak from your heart they will settle right down. Your behavior can completely shift theirs! Come to them with an open heart and ask a few genuine questions about their life. Make the questions open ended such as "Tell me what makes the holidays special for you?" or "What is your favorite memory of holidays in the past?" Last is holiday travel, be prepared for anything! You can't control the weather or how your mode of transportation may be affected, however you can make sure you have what you need with you. I make sure I have plenty to eat in my carry-on at all times, carrying a supply of fruit, nuts, sandwiches and a large bottle of water. I am not happy unless I have choices. I do not want to be stuck without food that I like, reading materials and music. Take a deep breath and find the joy in the season. Do what you need to do to make it your best one ever. Don't get sucked into everyone else's drama, stay above it all with your own plan of action. Make a list right now on what you will need to stay calm and grounded. When you do it your way and are clear on your needs and boundaries you will have a great time! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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