Stress

Who?

December’s blogs are devoted to dealing with difficult people.  December can be a difficult month filled with expectations, pressure to get more done, and enough stress to fill a lifetime.  It seems to me I encounter more difficult people during December than any other month of the year.  It could be I notice more, have less patience or interact with more people during December.

From what I’ve learned, it starts with who I am in the moment.  Have you watched the Wizard of Oz lately?  If you remember, there’s Glenda, the good witch… Continue reading

Put Away Childhood

A few years ago I read a very good article that explained why many adults experience so much stress during the holidays.  Not only do we have more things to do during the holidays, we are comparing our holiday experiences to another time – our childhood.  Here are some thoughts on what is happening.

Thought 1:  Eating.  As children our job was to show up at the dinner table and eat what was served.  Children know when they are full and stop eating.  After dinner they might clear the table, most likely they will… Continue reading

Balance(?)

You’re kidding right?  How many books, seminars, articles, online programs promise to teach you to live a balanced life?  Somewhere, out there, someone has just enough home life, work life, me time, spouse time, volunteer time, mom/dad time – all rolled into one perfect life.  Do you really believe that?  Want a good deal on a bridge?

Get real – this is not something to strive for, waste time reading about or pay money to attend a seminar.  COLD HARD FACT:  There is no balance!  Before you delete this blog from your computer… Continue reading

The Three D’s

During really stressful times, such as the holidays, there are some things you can do to reduce your stress.  Keep in mind these three D’s to take back some control of your overwhelm!

Delay – Look through your list carefully.  For each item on the list ask yourself – What would happen if I didn’t do this right now?  If there is little or no consequence to not doing the task, put it at the bottom of the list.

When there is so much to do, prioritization goes out the window.  All items on the list… Continue reading

Far Less for More!

A great way to reduce your stress and feeling of overwhelm is to plan on doing less.  Sounds like a simple concept that is not so simple to implement.  That is the point – keep it simple.  Here are some tips to help you accomplish this simple task.

Tip 1:  Say NO!  You’ve already got a full plate for the next two months.  You’re a doer and people naturally ask you to do “one more thing” because you always say yes and get things accomplished.  Adding more during a holiday season isn’t kind… Continue reading