I don’t know about y’all, but this year was a busy one. I think most of us can agree it was an exhausting year, while many of us were trying to make up for 2020, and most plans went back into overdrive. And since about October, I’ve felt more stressed than usual. After talking to some friends about everyone feeling this way, I wanted to put together a list of 20 things to do this month. But not 20 more things to add to your to-do list – 20 things that will actually make you feel good, many that don’t take much effort. Obviously don’t feel like you have to do all 20, but I wanted to give a bunch of ideas.
Let me know if you’ll be doing anything on this list – or even better, if you have something to add.
Happy holidays!
xx Ash
20 THINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
1. Stay in pajamas all day with your family.
2. Say no to at least one event or commitment.
3. Consider donating or volunteering as a family instead of gifting (for adults).
4. Decorate cookies with kids, and don’t worry about the mess. To make things easy, buy store-bought sugar cookies and frosting; the kids will not notice.
5. Buy the person’s coffee behind you in line.
6. Drop off gently used winter clothing to local shelters.
7. Go through one closet or area of your house at a time and declutter to start the new year fresh.
8. Stop and think before shopping on auto-pilot. I know it’s hard this time of year, but when I stop to truly think whether or not I need something or I’m buying to buy, I usually end up deleting it from my cart.
9. Forgive someone.
10. At get-togethers bring in someone who doesn’t seem to know many people or might be standing out on their own.
11. Thank those individuals who do small things for you all year: the mailman, your delivery drivers, teachers, gardeners, house cleaners, etc.
12. Don’t stress about getting out all the Christmas decorations or a real tree.
13. Have at least one spiked hot cocoa.
14. Write letters to Santa if you celebrate Christmas.
15. Spend more time off your cell phone. Leave it in your bag when you go to parties and family gatherings.
16. Make a Pinterest board of what you’re excited about in 2022.
17. Practice more positive talk to yourself.
18. Reuse any wrapping paper, bows, bags, etc. that you can for next year.
19. Give more hugs.
20. Focus on the essentials and the joy that this holiday season can bring, and try to minimize anything about it that brings stress or anxiety.
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