Thanksgiving: Instagram It Wasn't but Perfect It Was

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. Family, gratitude, good food, and The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade are all the things I look forward to all year. This year...was a CLUSTER.

It's no secret that the holidays can be a stressful time for many people, but the impact of holiday stress is particularly felt by women. According to the American Psychological Association, women report higher levels of stress during the holiday season than men, with nearly 72% of women saying they feel increased stress during this time. I certainly was no exception. I want to share my story along with six tips and tricks for grown women to manage holiday stress better and enjoy the holidays without feeling overwhelmed.

Recovering Workaholic in Relapse

I had been burning both ends of my candle in my executive day job, which I love, and on the launch of a major passion project, my group coaching program 90 Days to PRO Performance. I had set a professional goal for myself that it was important to meet, but it required me to come out of my workaholic recovery to get things done. As we approached the holidays. I knew that I wouldn't have the bandwidth to cook dinner, so I did what Grown Women do....offered to swipe a credit card and order dinner. When I made this offer, my 23-year-old daughter saved the day and took the reigns. Shopping with my husband and cooking a fantastic dinner with our traditional favorites all on her own. Without her, the day wouldn't have been the same.

Tip 1: Ask for help

As Grown Women, we often take on too much and try to do it all ourselves. That's why it's so important to ask for help when you need it. As I approached Thanksgiving, I found myself feeling overwhelmed, so I asked for help. My daughter was more than happy to step up and cook dinner, which took a huge burden off of my plate. Asking for help can look different for each person, but the most important thing is, to be honest and open about your needs. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. That's part of being a Grown Woman.

Anxiety Abound

As I woke up on Thanksgiving morning, I was worried about how I would get the work I needed to get done by Cyber Monday. My anxiety was getting the best of me. I was also worried that I wasn't giving the best I could to my family (that pesky work-life balance myth, but that's for another day), so I did what I do every morning and spent some time in prayer and meditation. It truly helped me to realign my energy for the day.

Tip 2: Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a great way to reduce holiday stress. It helps you focus on the present moment, allowing you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and allowing you to take a step back from any overwhelming situations. Mindfulness meditation doesn't take a lot of time, but it can make a big difference in how you approach the holidays. It can help you to focus on gratitude and appreciation rather than worrying about what might go wrong or stressing over the need to please everyone. Practicing mindfulness meditation during the holidays can help you stay present and enjoy the little moments that make this time of year so special.

Don't Mess with My Parade

Okay, so there is a plan for food, I'm feeling Zen, and so everything is good to go, right? WRONG! As I sat down to watch the parade, which I literally waited for ALL YEAR LONG, the love of my life was asking me questions about my passion project. While it was all well intended, I was very frustrated. These three hours a year are a no-touch for me, it is a boundary, and I had to say, while I appreciate your help, now is not the time. Honestly, I can only wish I was that gracious, but in truth, I am rewriting history.

Tip 3: Set Boundaries for Your Time

Setting boundaries around your time during the holidays is an important way to reduce stress. As Grown Women, we often feel the need to please everyone and to do everything, but that can be incredibly overwhelming. It's important to remember that you have the right to say no and to set boundaries for your time. This means being aware of your own needs and being honest about what you can and cannot do. If you need to take some time for yourself, don't be afraid to do so. Respect your own needs and set boundaries around your time so that you don't get overwhelmed.

Is This Jerry Springer?

So now I am on the couch; I'm less “hangry” because breakfast is done, and I am watching my precious parade. Then my world is completely turned upside down when a cherished family member and I get into a "disagreement". In my mind, it felt like a scene from the Jerry Springer show. While I won't share the details, I was angry, devastated, defeated, and depleted. Before I took my feelings out on everyone else, I did the only thing I knew how to do...I took a bike ride.

Tip 4. Exercise The Stress Away

Exercising is one of the best ways to manage stress during the holidays. Not only does exercise release endorphins, which can boost your mood, but it also helps to reduce stress levels and clear your mind. Regular exercise can help to improve sleep quality and increase energy levels, which can be especially beneficial during a busy holiday season. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can also make it easier to stick to any health goals you might have and ensure that you're taking care of yourself during the holidays.

Taking Time to Process

When I came back from my bike ride, I felt like I had done the best thing I could, the one thing that we often don't give ourselves permission to do. I stepped away from the situation and not only released those endorphins, but I also gave myself a break. Time to process and reorient myself. We always feel the need to respond immediately, but that isn't always the best course of action.

Tip 5: Take Breaks When You Need Them

It is important to take breaks when you are feeling overwhelmed. Taking breaks from any task, no matter how small, can help alleviate stress and give you some moments of peace and clarity. Breaks can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, going for a walk outside, or even listening to some calming music. Taking these moments for yourself can help you manage your holiday stress and make it easier to get through this season with a positive mindset.

We got to perfect

Here's what I want you to know, while there were points and times when I was convinced that all was lost, it wasn't. By the time 15 people gathered around the table to share what they were thankful for, I was reminded that in the midst of chaos, family is at the heart of "why" I do all the other things we do. While my family may not look like a perfect Instagram moment, they are perfect, just the way they are. This leads to my final tip....

Tip 6: Spend Time With Friends and Family

Spending quality time with friends and family can be a great way to manage stress. Not only can it provide a reminder of what truly matters, but it can also be an escape from the hustle and bustle of the season. It allows for meaningful conversations and enjoyable experiences that can help boost mental health and well-being.

Conclusion

This is just another story from my Grown Woman Life that I hope helps to take the pressure off being perfect, reminds you to advocate for yourself, and to have fun, even in the tough moments. Fun, I had, for sure. I hope these six tips will help you manage your holiday stress so that you can enjoy the holidays with your friends and family!

Back to your journey to be proud, purposeful, and unapologetic.