Listen to Podcast #26 to hear James and Susan talk about how to make your holidays the best ever!
Toolkit Checklist:
- Create an achievable outcome for the type of experience you want to experience this holiday season. You can do this for yourself or your involve your family
- Stop living from what you think is expected of you. Do what you want to do
- Use “my rules for me, your rules for you.”
- Set Boundaries
- Take time for yourself: have a spa day, have your nails done, play basketball with the guys, Take a day trip out to an area lake; pack a picnic
- Say no to parties you don’t want to go to
- Use perceptual position skills to reduce conflict and improve compassion and understanding
- Be Thankful
- Meditate
- Cut back on large parties. Keep gatherings small and intimate
- Eat well and keep alcohol drinks to a minimum.
- Stop giving gifts and sending cards: do these at other times of the year when it isn’t so hectic.
- If you give gifts, make it easy: gift cards, reduce the gift list, buy experiences for people (eat out, a salon visit. movie tickets; buy online, have the gift wrapped and sent directly to them.
- Spend time with people you want to be with
- Stay away from Malls and Shopping centers and stores at peak times and weekends.
- Get help. Hire people to clean your house, Have your party catered or have someone work in the kitchen for your party
- Plan enjoyable activities and fun things
- Eat out or order food in
- Avoid negative people
- Get rest and sleep
- Spend less time on the computer, social media or phone
- Read a good book. Bill Bryson has some great books, AT HOME is one, ones that are funny and informative. Light reading
- See funny movies and comedies
- Set your goals for next year before January. Be ready and rested for the New Year!
- Use Anchoring, Outcomes, Perceptual Positions to help you manage your states
- Have fun!