Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Dealing with Holiday Stress

My daughter wrote an amazing post that came out today on Be Your Own Muse that talks about mental health. Her post really got me thinking about all the stress we go through during the holidays. 

I shared a little about how I was feeling totally overwhelmed last week here and how I caught up a bit here.  

I know, for me, I start feeling overwhelmed when there are a million things I feel I need to do and not enough hours in the day...or energy....to get them all done. 

I really, really like things very organized and tidy in my house. When they get messy or disorganized that brings on feelings of stress for me, and my heart starts racing a little. I don't know if this happens to other people, but I do know it happens to me. And it makes me cranky. I know this about myself. 

One of the things I try to do to keep that in check is take time each and every morning before work to accomplish at least one chore. By that, I mean one chore in addition to the normal daily morning routine of unloading the dishwasher, showering, making the bed, making my lunch, etc. If I take 15 minutes each morning to accomplish one additional thing it helps keep the chores from piling up and keeps me on track. Less stress = less crankiness. 

Via
I also know that I require quiet time. Regular bouts of quality quiet time. I am not one of those people who can just go, go, go and never take a second to breathe. That would flat out drive me over the edge - you'd find me sitting on the floor in a corner of my walk in closet whimpering and talking to myself. 

I make sure not to take on more than I can handle. If we have too many invites pouring in I do not feel one bit guilty turning some down - I know my own self and there's no way I can be out more than a few nights per week at social engagements. Our social calendar is quite full as it is and sometimes I just have to put the brakes on so I can have a peaceful night at home. There's nothing wrong with that. 


One of my happiest places in my home is my kitchen. I love preparing a nice meal with the music playing in the background and the candles burning while I'm sipping on a glass of wine. That's a good place to be and it tends to calm my soul. Making sure I have a few nights each week just like that keeps me grounded and sane. Relatively speaking, of course!


I also love to read. There's nothing like a good book to take me out of my own mind and shut off all the daily turmoil inside my head. Right now I'm reading a fabulous book by Debbie Macomber called Starry Night


I just started it on Sunday and I read over half the book that night - I just couldn't put it down. Don't you just love a great book like that? I've been making a point to read Christmas books all month which helps me keep the holiday spirit alive in my heart. 


One of the other things that really relaxes me is having a nice hot bath with some aromatic bath salts and a couple of candles flickering nearby. I love the mineral bath salts from Aura Cacia - they have wonderful naturally derived fragrances that really release their scent with the steam and the mineral salts help with sore, aching muscles. Win, win!! 

I'm a big fan of aromatherapy and always have been. In addition to the routines I practice to keep my stress in check I will often have a candle burning in the house when I'm puttering around. The scent will change with the seasons or my mood but either way, having something fragrant burning in the house just calms me. If not a candle there may be a stick of incense or some scented oils. 


I also use cleaning products during my daily routines that have wonderful scents like lavender, orange clove, or natural pine - I truly believe it makes the daily chores just a little bit easier when there's a bit of aromatherapy involved. 

Add some peaceful music and the pups dozing by the fire and all's right in my world. 

These are things that help me in my daily world. You have to find your own sweet spot, your own things that help you calm your soul. 

And when you find those things, make sure to take the time daily to give your soul what it needs. 

It's as important as breathing. 




















20 comments:

  1. I'm now using many of your cleaning products. Your kitchen, so organized, also inspired me to buy one of those racks for my cutting boards yesterday at Marshalls. I can't believe I actually went into a store the week of Christmas! The stress, I suppose, or anxiety of stress, is what keeps me on the down low at holidays.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bet you love your new Mrs Meyers products, don't you, Brenda? They have such a lovely smell and do a wonderful job! I got my cutting board rack at Home Goods but I believe that is the same thing as Marshall's - they are one in the same. I can't believe you went into a store right before Christmas - wow, no thank you!! Amazon for me!

      Delete
  2. Good for you! Taking care of yourself should be a priority ... always.
    S
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes I forget to put myself first, Sue. Perhaps that needs to be a goal in 2016!

      Delete
  3. Lots of good ideas for keeping stress down! I kept my calendar open this year, so I wouldn't get overwhelmed...it's the first year I am ready early, and tomorrow I am baking, just for fun. I really need to prioritize each year. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you, Linda!! And I bet you will enjoy the holidays so much more this year!

      Delete
  4. I lose it also when I've not had some quiet alone time, I do feel like I'm almost talking gibberish!

    Not only are your ideas for helping with the stress of the season fine ones but I felt myself relaxing just reading them. I especially love knowing that being in your kitchen cooking is a joy to you. Isn't it amazing how that helps?

    Good tips!

    Dewena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dewena!! I think I felt myself relaxing just writing that post!!

      Delete
  5. I am with you....destressing during this stressful time of year is so important....quiet, reading and baking are usually 3 of relaxing exercises...that and some soothing music and smell good candles are a must!! Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't say baking is one of my relaxing rituals....cooking, yes - but baking? Not so much!! I think because it's such an exact science it isn't quite as relaxing for me as cooking a good meal, which is just combining flavors. Hugs right back at ya, Benita!!

      Delete
  6. Great post and I can relate to it all. I also have to have a neat, organized house or I get cranky when it's messy. I find a lot of the same things soothing that you do. I've been burning some natural soy candles or using my electronic diffuser to diffuse essential oils. I also love hot baths and good books. I thought me and hubby were going to have a great meal tonight...I was roasting a cut-up chicken, and it just did not turn out well at all. The breasts were very thick and were still pink and I had to keep putting them back in the oven, hoping they'd be done each time - and they weren't for three more times of putting them in the oven! In the meantime, hubby ate the chicken legs and I ate a few pierogies, lol. Good thing a friend dropped off some of these delicious homemade pierogies earlier in the day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Melanie, you should thank your friend profusely for those homemade pierogies - I think I would eat them over chicken any day of the week!!!!

      Delete
  7. I like to have me time too! I try to do Crossfit 3-4 times a week and I work from home so most days I have the house to myself and that feels great! Thanks for your tips!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, awesome, good for you!!! I need to get back on track with my fitness routine...I love a good hike and used to go daily. I miss it!!

      Delete
  8. You are a very well balanced person. You know when to say "enough!". I wish I had been this wise in my younger years. Hugs for you and those sweet pups of yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha I think there are many who would argue with that statement....well balanced? Me? Ok, maybe I'm better than I used to be - and yes, it took me a LONG time to learn how to say no!! But for my own sanity it's necessary. Hugs to you, also, Donna!!

      Delete
  9. I don't deal well with mess either! I can't relax until it's all tidy, then I can breathe!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can tell that by your beautiful tidy home! Perhaps some day our girls will grow up to be just like us....and then we can go to their houses and throw things all over the place like they do at home!! :)

      Delete
  10. Beautiful post and have a very Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out of your busy day to leave a comment...I truly love reading your comments and I try to respond to each and every one of your sweet comments right here on my blog page!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
09 10