It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like..Holiday Stress

Believe it or not the holidays are upon us.   Wow! Where did 2018 go….

The holidays are emotional, joyful and stressful at the same time for people.  Right after Halloween, I had a thought, when did we skip Thanksgiving? Stores are decorated fully for the Holiday season and I started to wonder what I will buy my teenage kids.

More questions came…do I send holiday cards out? Then work, there are so many clients I feel like I need to thank in a special way and not sure my budget will go that far; and that day when all of the industry organizations are having their holiday party on the same night; how can I possibly go to them all? And finally, will I be able to get those last contracts in to make my numbers?  

The fact of the matter is, when it rains it pours, and all of this will happen at the same time regardless if I worry. It is part of the crazy and blessed lives we live. This feeling didn’t just start this year, but I am always reminded of it and the importance of managing stress. I was taught by some pretty amazing people how to deal with stress better over the last 5 years.   Here are some of the takeaways that I have learned to keep it all in perspective and have fun at the same time…

1. Prioritize – make sure you hit deadlines, keep focused at work and do what you need to do
2. Be realistic – don’t over commit both personally and professionally
3. Take care of yourself  - keep your routine up; don’t blow off workouts; modify your schedule to protect your physical regime
4. Eat before you go to party – don’t go starving to an event….you will over eat and/or over drink.   Eat a snack and drink lots of water before you go.
5. Smile -  it makes a difference – when you are feeling stressed studies show that just by smiling (even at yourself) can relieve stress
6. Even the simplest thank you is enough – people appreciate you saying thank you. It is great to do more but not needed.  
7. Share your joy – it makes the world a happier place

So during this holiday season, please relax, enjoy your time with friends and family, do what you need to do by remaining focused and if you can try to help someone in need.  It may not be the homeless guy on the street; it might be your neighbor whose father just passed away; or a co-worker whose child is sick; or a family member who struggles with depression.  It is all around us and we need each other. Be there, be present and be happy.  That is the best gift you could give during the holidays. Even if it is a smile or a hug to someone who needs it.  It will go a long way!

(BTW, Thank you MPI hosting the Holiday Party at the Hyatt Regency Chicago – it makes many lives easier that night)