You will stress less when you set boundaries.
Over the holidays, you get to decide where you go, how long you stay there, who you invite into your home, and how much money you’ll spend. It might feel like your mom, father-in-law or second cousin will be calling the shots but you get to choose.
It’s important to set boundaries before you’re knee-deep in Christmas festivities. The last thing you want is to find yourself fighting about politics with your grandma or discussing vaccinations with your father-in-law. Without boundaries, everyone loses.
Before you commit to anything, decide what your limits are for traveling or for hosting guests. Is it three days? What about two weeks? If you’re married, talk to your spouse and create a plan that works for both of you.
By the way . . . don’t drive or fly thousands of miles to a place that’s inhospitable and threatening. You can say no. But once you decide and commit to seeing family, you must do it with a good attitude. Choose to find joy in the hard moments. Think of things that bring you joy to help you through.
Make a Christmas budget.
A budget is creating boundaries for your wallet and budgeting helps reduce stress because it gives you a plan for your money.
Remember, you get to control your thoughts and actions—including your spending. You get to decide where every single dollar in your bank account goes. Setting a budget for Christmas will help you avoid impulse purchases or spending too much on those white elephant gifts. There’s nothing worse than waking up the day after Christmas broke with no idea where your paycheck went. So make a budget and stick to it. You’ll be glad you did.
Focusing on what you can control will reduce stress.
There are only two things on planet Earth you can control: your thoughts and your actions. That’s it. You can’t control what your parents say around the dinner table. You can’t control your kids’ attitudes. And when you choose to let go of what you can’t control, you’ll automatically reduce the amount of stress in your life by refusing to carry other people’s problems.
In stressful seasons it can help to make a list of what is stressing you. Then write down the things that are in your control. Everything else gets tossed in the trash. Take control and ownership of your thoughts and actions and do what’s best for you and your family. Use your oils to help keep your emotions in check.
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