by Debra Rose
September is our healthiest time of year. Not a surprise as we emerge from summer (hopefully) rested from days of extra sunshine, water time and maybe a break from the regular routine. Fall represents renewal; a new school year, the weather changing, a snap into the holiday season. As we race to the end of the calendar year our health and wellness may take a hit, and by January we are not at our best. We may be more stressed, tired, depressed and depleted. Familiar with this cycle, we can fall into it anyway without some preparation. With a little more attention and awareness there are ways to stave off the madness associated with the end of the fall and start of winter.
Oh, the Joy
With an increased layer of expectations, deadlines and energy output, holiday time means conducting your regular life while hosting, shopping, partying, planning, traveling and adjusting to the change in weather. No wonder we are overwhelmed. Our sleep may be disrupted more often; we have more to juggle and have competing commitments with friends and family. The pressure to attend everything celebratory takes a toll after weeks of pushing ourselves past our limits. So how do we manage being so overscheduled?
Simplify
Prioritizes show themselves if you pay attention. Hack away the unnecessary and focus on the ‘musts’ and not the ‘shoulds.’ Live with the guilt associated with saying ‘no’ than the price you may pay for saying yes and overcommitting.
If you are the planner, streamline what you can and save the elaborate execution for a less dynamic time of year when time is on your side. Your guests will thank you and you may find more enjoyment than stress out of bringing people together.
Build in time to rest, recharge, sleep and exercise, the usual activities that are cut first when trying to meet everyone’s expectations. Set your own boundaries and try to stick with friends and family that are good at doing the same. There is an unrealistic and unspoken pressure to see everyone and do everything in the weeks around the holidays. Keep a list of things you can look forward to in the new year, which is just in time for the resolutions to come out. Get a jump start now and lean less into the 2026 clean slate.
Happy Holidays!