Before we know it, we will all be running around like crazy people in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now is the time to prepare ourselves for the hustle and bustle of the holidays (we don’t judge self pep-talks). After all, this time of year is suppose to be about enjoying time with our friends and family…and food, so let’s keep it that way. It is all about taking care of ourselves so we can take on the holidays. Take a look below to learn 7 ways to keep your cool at the in-laws or crazy aunt Sally’s this holiday season.
- Work out: Many people like to take time off from working out during the holidays. But now is the time to pick it up even more! Exercise is a natural stress reliever – the endorphins that are released during exercise can help clear your mind, give you energy and keep you in a great mood. Stay off the naughty list by keeping your health first. Don’t be afraid to share the love this holiday season – StudioHop memberships make great gifts!
- Get organized: To-do lists can save yourself from insanity. Make a list of the food/drinks you will be bringing to each holiday party and family functions. Make lists for when you fight the crowds at the stores – they help you stay focused and you won’t forget the canned pumpkin. Make a list of who you will be buying gifts for and what they want/need. Pinterest boards work great for this, you can even link their gifts to buy online. And don’t forget about that planner. Mark in your calendar the dates of all your holiday invitation and take a step back. If your calendar stresses you out just by looking on it then chances are you may need to decline an invite or two.
- Get a heads start: Now is a great time to start Christmas shopping. Online shopping seems to be the least stressful – no traffic, no pushy sales people, and no fighting over the last pink cashmere sweater with the overly-aggressive shopper at Macy’s. Just sit back on the couch with a glass of wine and shop away. Don’t forget to treat yourself too!
- Think about the good ole’ days: Back when the only thing you had to worry about is if there was going to be enough left-over mashed potatoes after Thanksgiving dinner. Those were the days. So, decorate your place like mom use to, buy every pumpkin cupcake candle you can find, get some cheap therapy in by making cute arts-n-crafts just like in grade school and hand them out at work, put on a tacky sweater or onesie and crank up “Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer.”
- Treat yo self’: Don’t beat yourself up for eating a whole batch of crescent rolls! Enjoy the home-cooking and be thankful that you even get a hot meal. You can always head to a studio the next day to burn off your Thanksgiving feast (okay, it might take a couple of classes to do so).
- Enjoy the weather: When you feel yourself feeling overwhelmed with stress head outside and get a fresh breath of autumn air. Go on a run or take Fido to the park. Crisp air can do wonders.
- Don’t get your hopes up: Okay so you left the pecan pie behind on the kitchen counter, or you thought the dinner party was at 6:00 not 7:00. Or you were so excited to see your family when you walked through the door but found them all arguing over which football game they’re wanting to watch instead. Just Let. It. Go. We are only human and not everything will go perfectly. So, simply enjoy all that you have to be thankful for and tell the strive for perfection to hit the road.