The holidays can be a time of great joy. There’s the family and friend gatherings, celebrations, lights, fun events and my favorite part: the food! The holidays can also be a time of massive stress; running from one event to another, the pressure to get everything perfect for your family, and speaking of family, for so many being around them brings its own kind of stress (click here for more on that) If you’re anything like me you inbox is stuffed with emails about Black Friday deals, family members trying to make plans and upcoming holiday event flyers so I thought I’d make this month’s blog post short and sweet.

Here’s how this works: Read through this list of 28 ideas and find just 4 things that sound doable for you. Not everything on this list is going to speak to you, its just to get some ideas flowing. I always encourage people to find a balance by picking some things that are fast and easy and some things that you get to spend more time with, some things you’ll do on a daily basis, and some things that are more of an occasional special treat. Don’t overwhelm yourself by adding too many things that will be new and difficult for you. Find some that feels easy and doable, and maybe just one that will be more of a challenge. Now on to the ideas!

1. Eat regular, balanced meals

2. Get some sleep

3. Go outside (yes even if its cold, rainy or dark)

4. Move your body

5. Spend some quiet moments with pets

6. Carve out alone time

7. Journal

8. Limit alcohol/drug consumption

9. Meditate

10. Take a long bath

11. Try a new hobby or pick up an old favorite

12. Make some art

13. Put your phone in another room

14. Say no to commitments you know don’t work for you

15. Plan a date night

16. Take a short road trip

17. Organize a room

18. Have a movie night

19. Play some music

20. Attend a non-holiday event

21. Read a good book

22. Get together with a friend

23. Enjoy a cup of coffee/tea

24. Visit a spa/get a massage

25. Work on a puzzle

26. Participate in a spiritual practice

27. Watch something funny

28. Take a break from news/social media

Really, the possibilities are endless, maybe reading this through jogged something else that you’ll add to your own personal list. The trick here though is to fully participate in these activities. If you spend the whole time worrying about the next holiday task to complete, what you want to say to your drunk uncle at the family get together, or even just planning what’s for dinner then you rob yourself of the joy- and the much needed break these activities can bring. So as you enjoy these activities, be aware of where you mind is. Are you fully present, or do you need to set your thoughts aside for now knowing that you can come back to them later?

If you or someone you know could use some extra support getting through the holidays feel free to reach out here. And don’t forget to subscribe below for free tips and updates!