’Tis the Season… But Don’t Forget to Take Care of You

life advice

’Tis the Season… But Don’t Forget to Take Care of You
It's an easy time of year to become stressed, but you do have a choice in the matter... really.
BY JENNIFER EMBERY

freestocks.org
There's so much to do, but so much that's not as important as we might think it is.

“ If you give yourself a little love, everyone around you will benefit. Especially you.”

Here we go… into the crazy holiday season again. Ready or not, it’s here. Love it, hate it, or couldn’t care less—this is a time of year when… how do I put this? People get crazy busy and energy is frantic many places you go.

Let’s be honest, it can be exhausting.

Especially if you’re the person who makes it all happen. Being sure all the gifts are perfect. Decorating all the things that need decorating. Cooking all the meals and baking all the treats. Hosting the parties. Going to the parties. Festivities GALORE!

Am I right? Some days it feels like you’re taking care of everyone… a feeling that is most likely magnified by the holidays.

Can I tell you something? It’s ok for you to take care of yourself, too.

In fact, it’s even more important for you to take care of you during these hectic times. If you give yourself a little love, everyone around you will benefit. Especially you.

Since I can’t tell you how to get more hours in a day, what I will tell you is that you have to say "no" to some things in order to say "yes" to others.

Have you ever asked yourself what would happen if the holiday table wasn’t perfectly set? How about considering the idea that you don’t have to get every gift on the list? What if you went all the way to crazy town and didn’t attend every event you’re invited to this season?

Do you know what would happen?

Probably nothing. That’s right, not much at all.

Between you and me, when I started taking care of myself, I was a teensy bit disappointed that I wasn’t as important to the earth’s revolving pattern as I had led myself to believe. But I got over it quickly once I started reaping the benefits of self-care.

So, back to you and what to do about all this? Start by making a list of everything swirling around in your head… all the things on your to-do list now.

EVERYTHING.

Next, pick five things to remove from the list. GASP!!! I know, right?

But seriously… having trouble choosing? Try this: when you look at each to-do, quickly assess whether it makes you feel heavy or light. Underline the ones that make you feel light.

Those get to stay on the list.

Take another swipe at the ones that aren’t underlined and pick five things to remove. Go ahead. Do it.

Side note about the things that make you feel heavy… those are usually things you feel obligated to do for some reason. That could indicate you need to take a look at whom you’re doing them for and why. Remember, we teach people how to treat us and often, if we don’t speak up when we feel obligated, nobody knows.

Ok. Do you have a little more time in your life now? Could you do something nice for yourself with that time? You deserve it.

Now go look up "self-care ideas" on the internet. Pick any one of the lists that pop up and start choosing to take care of you.

After 20+ years as a leader in corporate America, Jennifer Embery made the transition to her life on purpose. She is a speaker, life coach, and writer who helps women over 40 determine what they want to do and how to do it. Click here to sign up for your complimentary strategy session. For more info visit www.jenniferembery.com.

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