4. Slow down and be WITH people. Have meaningful encounters instead of trying to squeeze it all in. Make mindful moments. Embrace quality over quantity. This time of year seems to be about dashing in cars from one party to the next. But you’ll feel better if you actually connect with people one to one – as opposed to spreading yourself too thin. Focus less on being seen and more on being heard (and really hearing others).
5. Make your own traditions. Pick and choose. It doesn’t have to be all about what Aunt Kathy or your friend Sara wants. What do you value? Prioritize with your needs in mind. Ask yourself: is this a have to, a want to, or a should do? Again, less is more here (unless you love more and then go for it!)
7. And to that I’ll add routine. If you have a daily yoga habit, or you read before bed every night, don’t stop just because family is visiting. Stick to routine. (And then be flexible.) So maybe yoga gets moved to later Christmas night because you open presents with the kids that morning. Or maybe reading before bed gets skipped this one busier Hanukkah night. But overall stick to the routine. Then the Holidays won’t feel as much like a shock to the system. And your New Year’s resolutions will already be off to a smooth start!