Stress

Your Christmas CalendarAre you inundated with holiday invites?  A too full calendar is one sure way to pile on some extra year-end stress.

Do you just wish you could spend your holidays as YOU wish to spend them instead of having to go to all the Christmas festivities calendared by everyone on your behalf?

Are you a sensitive woman dreading this Christmas Season because you fear it just might be more stressful than joyful?

If you are finding yourself saying “yes, yes and yes”, that may be a sign that your calendar might need some holiday relief.

Christmas isn’t the time to let your own personal needs and desires fly out the window.  This season can be about JOY – JOY for you and for the world.

Remember to honour what is important to you this season.  Honouring your own values is one way to increase your own personal fulfillment and joy.

Setting some limits on what you will and won’t do this year based on your own personal values just might change a stressful experience into one that nurtures you.

Reasons why people might automatically say yes to Christmas season invites:

  • They don’t want to disappoint
  • They really value the relationships and want to honour them
  • They believe “It’s expected”

Reasons why you might to pull back from automatically saying yes to Christmas Invites:

  • There is something more meaningful you would like to do
  • You need a rest or some rejuvenation time

What there is to learn to be able to say NO to more Christmas invites:

  • Learn that NO doesn’t mean I don’t love you, or don’t care for you.  It’s not about the other, it’s about you, and what you want
  • Learn that negotiation can be a part of the picture. I won’t be able to come this week, but how about we get together after Christmas?
  • Get really clear on what you ARE saying YES to.  When you are crystal clear as to what is most important to you, it’s easier to express your honest feelings
  • Don’t make promises if it is going to cause you stress.  It is better to say what you can commit to comfortably – and allow yourself the blessing of being able to NOT to do something if your energy isn’t there for it
  • Tell the truth
  • Set intentions rather than expectations
  • Don’t over promise.  Keep your commitments to what you can fully deliver on

Here are some quick tips on keeping your calendar the way you might want it:

  1. Block off in your calendar the time you need for yourself.   Whatever you want to do with your time – that’s up to you.  Whether it’s shopping, reading, or resting, make that choice as important as you would someone else’s agenda.
  2. Set a limit on how much you will say yes to in a week.  You get to decide how much that is and then honour it once you set it.  It’s a structure that will help you, when those automatic yes tendencies creep back in.
  3. Only say yes to things that light you with Joy.  Keep your calendar resentment-free.
  4. Balance your up-time with downtime.   Reduce the opportunity to be overwhelmed,  by balancing the amount of time blocked off on your calendar for others, with time just for yourself

If you are a sensitive woman, are dealing with holiday stress – you can read my recent blog post: Holiday Relief for Sensitive Women.

How do you like to manage your calendar during the holiday season?  Have some tips?  Share your ideas in the comments below:

 

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