Take a Breather

Life is hectic. There is so much running around to do with work or school (I write my last final on Wednesday and I can't tell you how happy that makes me!), the kids and their extra-curricular activities, and when you add Christmas into the mix, it gets downright stressful. Shopping and baking and concerts, oh my! It's enough to make me want to curl up in the fetal position and wish for January.

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I do believe that despite good intentions to simplify, the vast majority of us feel some added stress during the holidays. Here are a few simple ways to take a breather:

1) Say no. This isn't as rude or ugly as it sounds! Simply turn down something your don't really want or need to do. If you already feel stretched for time and patience, but you're asked to do some baking for the kid's class or for a cookie exchange or for your church, say no. A simple 'I'm afraid I can't help this time' will suffice. Chances are, the person asking, will not ask why you can't do it. They will simply move on to the next person on their list. Don't feel badly or guilty - in fact, celebrate your choice with a cup of tea - in the quiet of your own home.

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2) Stay in. Christmas is still 2 weeks away and I already dread going to the stores - even buying groceries has become a chore. Parking lots are crowded, shoppers are getting cranky, and the line ups to pay are way too long - my time is better spent with my family than standing in line to pay for things. If you have a grocery store that offers online ordering and delivery to your door, take advantage of it. You don't have to do it all the time, but at this busy time of the year, splurge and spend the $10 delivery fee - I promise you'll thank me for it! Staying in doesn't mean you have to stay busy and go from project to project - when you tuck the kids into bed, don't reach for your 'to do' list. Instead, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea and sit down! Watch a movie, read a book or talk to someone who doesn't stress you out. Enjoy a little down time without worrying about what needs to be done.

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3) Go out. Yes, I did just say stay in! And now I'm saying go out - but not to run errands - pull on your toque, wrap up in a warm scarf, and head out to the toboggan hill with your kids! Not for you? Not to worry! Head out around the block or to a nature area nearby - get some fresh air, walk off some bad energy, and be free to think about all of the good things in your life. On Saturday night the kids and I went to a nearby church   for horse-drawn sleigh rides and a bonfire complete with hot dogs and hot chocolate.  After the sleigh ride, we went inside for a Christmas concert.  We didn't last for the entire concert, but we had a terrific time.  Two days later, the kids are still talking about how much fun we had. It was free, we were warm, and we laughed and sang.

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4) Be grateful. Count your blessings. Watch your kids or your husband sleep. Take a few minutes each day to really think about what you are grateful for. Be thankful that you can take a breather while considering what is really important at this time of year.

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How are you going to take a breather?