To be an influential and effective teacher, I need to swallow my own medicine. In this blog I'm doing just that. As I was scheduling time to write this, I realized I could decrease my stress level by cutting out all things deemed "not absolutely necessary." So, in order to "walk the talk," I'm writing an abbreviated blog this month.

The holidays are upon us and so is all the "crazy" that goes with it. It's often a good mix of parties and family celebrations, but it can also be very stressful -- especially when we try to do too much.

To avoid added stress, just say "NO." I encourage you to eliminate whatever is not absolutely necessary, so you have more time to relax and enjoy the holidays. And, as my way of giving myself the gift of more downtime, I'm letting other sources do my work.

Linda Lewis Griffith, a marriage and family therapist (LindaLewisGriffith.com), offers these strategies to avoid burnout during the holidays: 

• Make calm and sanity your first priority. No one wants you frazzled. Avoid tasks that put you over the edge.
• Exercise. Don't get so busy that you forget to go to the gym or take that walk with your friends. Exercise is the perfect stress reducer, and it's vital for your emotional and physical health.
• Maintain your perspective. It's only the holidays, for goodness sakes. There's no need to overreact.
• Keep things simple and manageable. Everyone will appreciate your attitude.
• Enlist help. Don't be a martyr. Ask others to do their share. If it's not important enough to them to do, perhaps it doesn't get done.
• Be happy. This season is meant to be joyful. If it's not, you're doing something wrong. Let go of activities that are stressful and replace them with serenity and peace.

Additional links to all kinds of advice on how to de-stress your holidays:

The Mayo Clinic's Tips to Prevent Holiday Stress and Depression 

Of Wonder Women and the Holidays 

How to Stay Motivated & Stress Free During the Holidays

Whatever holiday you celebrate,

I hope it's full of happiness and love.

Best wishes for a peaceful, joyous, and
prosperous New Year!