Have too much on your plate this holiday season? You’re not alone! As we get closer and closer to the end of the year, the to-do list seems to keep getting longer! How can that be? Well, it happens because we’re stressed out. We are all working, doing errands, checking our lists, checking them twice…and no matter how much we check off, there is more to do. 

    So how do we make the list shrink? First, we take a deep breath. Then, we sort the list by smallest to largest. If you have the small, simple things on your list handled first, the medium-sized and large-sized items get smaller by default. Once you’ve sorted out your smallest to biggest items on your list - who is in your corner that you can maybe delegate some items to? Maybe you’ve got some teenagers who could help out with things? Or a partner, sibling, spouse - share your list with your support group and see what you can get help with. 

Next, manage your expectations of yourself. You can’t run amuck (amuck, amuck, amuck) all the time. You get tired. If you need a break, take one! Self-care and intentional slowing down is so important to our mental and emotional health. Recognize that even if you don’t finish your to-do list in one shot, you’ve still given that list your all. 

As I always say, if all you have to give today is 40%, and you give that 40%, you have, in fact, done your best today. Interested in learning more?