Reduce Holiday Stress

The holidays are upon us, along with the joy and the stress they bring.  Holiday parties, travel, shopping, decorating, and cooking are piled on top of our already busy schedules.  While most of us enjoy the festivities, it can also throw off our routines and leave us feeling frazzled.  To top it off, the kids are out of school for winter break.  Here are a few tips to help you make the most of holiday joy and minimize stress.

• Stick to what works.  Don’t forget to use your normal time management and organization systems.  Make sure you include holiday-related tasks and events.
• Try to maintain some sort of routine.  If your child takes a nap a 2:00 pm every day, don’t schedule activities during that time.  Similarly, if you go to the gym every morning, try to stick with that routine.  If you can’t go to the gym, squeeze in a walk (weather permitting), yoga, or some other exercise during that time.
• Don’t overbook yourself or your child.  Be mindful that the constant hustle and bustle can lead to overwhelm and meltdowns.  Make sure to schedule some down time.     
• Take it easy on the sugar.  Sugar and artificial food coloring can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.         
• Don’t forget self-care.  When we get busy, basic needs such as sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet are the first to go. 

What helps you maintain your sanity and reduce stress during the holiday season? I’d love to hear from you!