Beating the Holiday Bustle

I don’t know about you ladies, but I’ve been super busy lately. Between establishing plans for 2015, wrapping up projects and writing year-end reports, preparing for the holidays and festive social engagements, I’ve arrived at Dec. 15 and I have no idea how. This month, this whole year really, has been flying by.

I’ve been feeling like I’m falling so far behind on things I want to get done and things I’d like to work on before the year is over. Unfortunately, all that doing and working has been making it difficult to appreciate all of the good things about the holidays – and every other part of the year that we forget about.

Fortunately, there are tons of little things to appreciate and do to make you feel great, no matter how busy you are!

Call a loved one

I’m incredibly lucky to have best friends with whom I can catch up once a week or once a month without feeling like anything has changed. And when we do have the chance to sit down and talk, it’s like they’re sitting next to me like old times, not hours away. Calling my friends and family gives me a warm happy feeling and makes me feel good for the rest of the day or week.

Organize something

There’s no better feeling than accomplishing something and the easiest thing to accomplish is banishing clutter. Whether it’s folding clothes, clearing off your desk, washing the dishes organizing your magazines, decluttering your space, even just a small one, will make you feel on top of the world! You can conquer anything!

Order something online – just for the delivery

Anticipating something fantastic waiting for you at home is one of the best feelings in the world. Even if it’s something as simple as household items from Target or Amazon, it’s thrilling to wait for a package. It’s silly, but there’s no denying how excited you are for mail.

Cook yourself dinner

Sure, cooking can be a chore, but making something you really love has an instant calming effect. It’s magical in that way. Make whatever is your comfort food and settle down for a nice dinner for one. Bonus points for adding a glass of wine & making it a date for you.

Be a little lazy

It may sound a bit counterintuitive, but sometimes unplugging yourself from daily life for a bit and doing absolutely nothing has healing qualities. A weekend Netflix marathon from the comfort of your bad may be just what the doctor ordered. Or a brief meditation session if you’re looking for a quick fix.

Dance/laugh it out

Nothing feels better than being completely exhausted, but in a good way, like from laughing til you’re crying or dancing for no reason. Crank up the music and throw a dance party in your living room. Sing your favorite song. Call your best friend and laugh for a while. Turn on your favorite stand up (May I suggest Amy Schumer? Robin Williams? Amy Poehler? There are so many good choices!). Whatever will make you happiest – do it.

Pamper yourself

My favorite cure for a crap day or a bad mood is spending a little time on me. Sometimes the only way to get out of a midweek slump is to give put on a mask, draw the biggest, bubbliest bath and just let your cares float away. I like to follow it with a good mani-pedi and a good movie.

How do you handle stress? Do the holidays make you feel like a madman too?

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