Ladies, we spend so much time caring for others, but as we enter the official Holiday Season, we need to give ourselves a gift. As mothers or grandmothers, we get so wrapped up in preparing for our families to have a great time—you know, cleaning, planning the menu, the parties, the gatherings, cooking the food, ensuring there is plenty to drink, decorating the house and the Christmas tree—you know, the “Mommy Duties.”

STOP

Before you get on that fast-moving train of shopping, buying presents, and hiding presents for a visit from Santa Claus, take the time to go to a spa. Get your body ready for the onslaught. Go into training. Exercise and prepare your body and mind for the hustle and bustle. 

Make a special day for you and your girlfriends to have a glass of wine together and complain about what is about to erupt in your household before you get started on the holiday journey. After all, psychiatrists have already proven that talking about the problem relieves the burden, and in most cases, the pressure goes away – it clears your mind. Thank goodness for having girlfriends!

Wow, just that quickly, you get done all that is on that list with less tension and a lot more cheer, peace, and love. 

Dr. Peter Reisner, who practices family medicine and is an Assistant Professor at the Mayo Clinic, has written some good advice for dealing with the stress of the holiday season that I want to share with you:

1. Plan ahead.

Between co-workers, friends and family, some commitments will inevitably end up on the same day. Make sure to plan on what you can attend. If you’re hosting the holidays, create a menu to help you stay organized and make grocery shopping easier.  Try sharing your to-do list with other family members so they can help you.

2. Say no.

With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them. Saying no to something you cannot or do not want to attend will also help relieve some stress.

3. Plan spending.

The holidays mean spending money. Make a budget and stick to it. Spending money on your loved ones is important, but paying your energy bill is also essential. Don’t buy gifts that you’ll be paying off for the rest of the year.

4. Create relaxing surroundings.

Turn on music, light candles, or open the windows on a sunny day. Research has found that listening to music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of well-being, and vitamin D is always a happiness booster.

5. Maintain healthy habits.

The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. A short workout each morning will help your decision-making throughout the day. Encourage your family to try snowshoeing, sledding, walking, or cycling to get in extra exercise. Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables throughout the season and fill up before a dinner party or celebration with tempting but unhealthy foods.

6. Share feelings.

Spending a holiday after a family loss can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up about them to others. It may make you feel better to share. Try to switch up old traditions to ease the loss.

7. Respect differences.

Family members will have different viewpoints from your own. Try your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on your similarities and replace tension with something productive.

8. Be realistic.

You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic about how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection; relax and enjoy your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers surrounding you.

9. Take a break.

Don’t forget about your own needs. Take a nap, take a short walk, read a book, or watch a funny movie. Laughing relaxes the whole body and can relieve physical tension and stress.

And Dr. Lou adds the tenth –

10. HAVE FUN- SPREAD LOVE and BE SAFE!!!

Remember, give yourself a break and give yourself a present by caring for yourself. I look forward to seeing you in 2025.

Take good care,

Dr. Lou