How to Stay Calm During the Holidays

When divorce takes up so much time and energy, the demands of the holiday season can be overwhelming.  

Rushing from one thing to the next can be exhausting, and even more, it can become a competition. ”Oh, you think you’re busy?!  Well, let me tell you about my day!” Though you may be accomplishing a lot, this can easily become a socially acceptable addiction, because by staying busy you can avoid your emotional pain, at least for a short time.  

You may feel that if you don’t keep moving, things will fall apart, but things are more likely to fall apart if you don’t stop. Plus, what is wrong with a little falling apart. “Holding it together” is often overrated, and what falls apart eventually comes back together in a healthier, more brilliant form.

Stopping gives you time to prioritize and reflect on what you truly value. Hopefully your health is on the top of the list. You don’t have to go to open houses or bake cookies unless, of course, that brings you joy.  Your laundry doesn’t have to be folded just right, or depending on your tolerance level, even be folded at all. You do not have to complete every errand on your list immediately. I remember getting into my car, driving four blocks, turning around and going back home. It was just too much. I had to stop.

Stopping gives your life a chance to catch up with you. In the  long run you are able to get more done and stay healthier at the same time. Your stress level drops. You make better decisions, because you can process information more effectively. And you can hear your intuition more clearly when it speaks to you.

Stopping allows your spirit to rejoice that you have honored, respected and cherished yourself.