6 TIPS to Take the Holidays, before the Holidays Take YOU!

Yes, we can hardly believe it. But it’s that time of year again… Holiday Season! We've all done this plenty of times and by now, and we know exactly what to expect. Busy, busy, busy, rush, rush, rush. Right?

Well it doesn’t have to be that was this year. You get the chance to take on the holidays, before they can take you. You can get completely stressed out thinking of the 60 days that lie ahead...

Or… you can tackle everything differently this year, and make it the best holiday season yet - no need to fret! Here are  6 tips to help you have the healthiest, and happiest 2017 Holiday Season!

1. Game Plan and Execute: Starting Today! Make that shopping list. Write down a realistic holiday budget. Make a list of all of your holiday parties, and potential invitations. Map out your weekends. Keep all of this information together in one place. Review it at the minimum of once per week, to make sure you are staying on track. Make sure to update as things change and as you make progress. Schedule a day and time, to review your data. Friday mornings, before heading into the weekend works best for a lot of people.

2. Stay Healthy: Nothing will take a toll on your holiday season like coming down with a nasty cold! Start boosting your immune system ASAP. Natural remedies should be incorporated into your daily regimen to help you fight off the Holiday bugs going around. Some of the best immune boosters include Turmeric and Ginger. Turmeric can be purchased in pill form at any local drug store. Ginger tea is easily found in the grocery isle. Take both daily. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat as healthy as possible, stay hydrated, and stay away from the excess sugary treats this holiday season. Sugar can significantly lower your immune system, so be mindful!

3. Everything will take twice as long: Account for Time! Traffic and long lines will be EVERYWHERE for the next 60 days. Guaranteed. Do not cram too much into a single day. Some of us are used to doing 4-5 different things after work. This will not be realistic during the holidays. Prioritize and eliminate anything that will cause you to be short on time. Remember to make the most of online services as often as possible. Groceries, gift shopping, even postage, can all be purchased online and delivered right to your door. Avoid any extra stops whenever possible.

4. Learn to say NO. During the holidays some of us will feel, we can’t say no. Some of us have a ton of holiday activities. Parties at the office. Parties with friends. Parties with relatives. Shopping. Cooking. Potlucks. Gift wrapping. Etc. Etc. It can all become too much. But we cannot bend over backwards attending every single thing. We need to keep time to maintain our well-being. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. Learn to say No when a weekend is looking too full, or your To-do list is getting too long. If you say No to an invite, send a gift or a card instead to show your appreciation. Also, keep in mind - you can always pencil in a rain-check with someone AFTER the holiday season, once the busy time has passed. Keep your balance as a priority during the jolliest time of the year!

5. Remember: it’s not all about you. Through the rushing, through all the crowding, and through all the madness, try to remember there are so many people in need. So many forgotten. So many broken. So many lonely. So many wishing they could have what you are complaining about. Make an effort to contribute time, money, and kindness wherever possible. We all have something to give, but sometimes we lose sight of that and think only of ourselves. Don’t let your humanity slip away from you this year, connect to a heart of giving. A heart of giving will always bring you greater joys and happiness.

6. Savor the Moment: Do not dread this Holiday Season. We must live these holidays as if they were going to be our last. I say this often, but we never will get these days back ever again. Loved ones will pass. People will move away. Friendships will change. Savor every second of this holiday season with your nearest and dearest. Remember - 2017 will never come again, and you have been given the gift to enjoy it. Don’t waste that gift. Stay grateful.

Remember to share these tips with all of your friends. Together, we can all close this year as healthy and happily as possible! #holidays2017 #mentalwellness