Merry Blogmas & Vlogmas

Merry Blogmas – December 8th – Holiday Stress

Jacque Gonzales17640 views

Im so sorry for missing Days 4-7 of Merry Blogmas (and Merry Vlogmas on my Facebook Page – I’m feeling a little “eh” and just needed to take some time to myself. You know how that goes right? Do you ever just need some downtime?

It could also be the stress of this time of year. Cold weather setting in, getting darker earlier each day, all the holidays we have back to back – and I’ve got several birthdays to shop for as well (as I mentioned in my December 2nd Merry Blogmas.) – and trying to make them special. And I’m keeping an eye on the fires in California where I have a lot of friends and family – it’s unreal. So anxiety kicks in.

So my question for today’s Merry Blogmas is – How do you deal with holiday stress and anxiety???

I’ve been told that meditation works wonders – but how do I get my brain to quiet down? I’ve always got a hundred things going through my mind – it’s noisy in there! 😂

It was also suggested to me to get into yoga. I’d love to – but that involves leaving the house. In the cold. Brrrrr!!! (I know, I know – I need to get myself motivated!)

The other thing I was thinking about doing again – coloring books. They can be fun – but my brain gets a bit overwhelmed when I’m coloring a piece that’s going to take a day or more to complete. I get it, you get your money’s worth when you can color for longer periods of time – but part of me wants a sense of completion a little bit sooner! 😉

I can’t wait to hear your suggestions for tackling holiday stress and anxiety.

Oh man, that reminds me that I need to do Christmas cards this weekend. Sigh.

BUT my shining light ALWAYS is my baby girl Theresa!!! 💜

Hopefully we all can pick up some tips from each other!

We’ll make it through TOGETHER!!!

Mwah!

Jacque 💜

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Merry Blogmas – December 13th – Favorite Holiday Movies

Merry Blogmas – December 2nd

17 comments

Joy December 13, 2017 - 4:00 PM
If I don’t cook, then nobody comes over... stress and anxiety eliminated 😄
Ka Lyn December 13, 2017 - 9:23 AM
Pick activities and traditions that mean something to you and your family. EVERYTHING is not important, curate your life and activities. Learn to say no...and be okay with missing a party or event to stay home and recharge. Instead of making 12 dozen cookies for the cookie exchange, make a few batches of cookies and call it good. Roll with the punches...We got the flu so right now I’ve got a half decorated tree and no packages wrapped. Luckily, we were able to find most things on line so everything will be here and wrapped before Christmas.
Shelly Custis December 10, 2017 - 4:09 AM
It’s your friend from Virginia, Shelly Custis!! I miss you and Love you Girl 💕
Carol Kleiner December 9, 2017 - 8:40 PM
I peruse my emails for sales and treat myself! Then I have something to look forward to even if it’s a lipstick 💄!
Ellen December 9, 2017 - 7:23 PM
“ set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. ..Your life is hidden with Christ in God. “ Col. 3:2. I try to focus on what’s really important instead of what seems urgent. I fail a lot...but keep on.
Laura Jager December 8, 2017 - 1:32 PM
This is a stressful time of year. On top of all of the usual holiday stresses I have an aging Mother who is having a lot of issues and that causes a lot of family stress. I find listening to holiday music relaxing. Those classics that you can't help but sing along with. I also like coloring and find coloring books like the Sherri Baldy books to be perfect for when you want to finish your picture in one day. Her Bestie color books also have 2 of each picture, so you can color with your daughter. I also try to do most of my holiday shopping online, so I don't have to get out in all of the crazy traffic to go shopping. Most importantly, I try not to overextend myself. Sometimes it's not easy to cut back on that Christmas card list or baking or events that I'm invited to, but if it keeps my stress down, it's worth it. Take care of yourself and enjoy!
Renee December 8, 2017 - 1:05 PM
I find if I don't get enough sleep I'm a basket case!!! So I have been turning off the TV and stoping what I am doing to get to bed at a half way decent time. Merry Christmas Blessings to you and your Family
Cynthia Beattie December 8, 2017 - 1:00 PM
It is more difficult this year because my state is making it rough for teacher retirees and there is so much to battle. My husband can't access any of his retirement for another year. I watch TV to unwind. Not necessarily the news but comedy shows and documentaries. CBS has the best comedies and they are genuinely funny. I also love to read. My blood pressures drops immediately when I get into a good book. I miss my parents and aunts and uncles that are no longer with us but they were so funny and life loving that I feel they are still here. My husband is laid back and has no problem with stress. He'll play Soduko or watch TV. I am definitely not like that, unfortunately. I think at Christmas there is an expectation for everyone to be merry and bright. If we look at the real Christmas story, Jesus was born amongst the animals, not in an inn. Yet that is the most important event in the history of mankind. Try to remember it is NOT about gifts. I love yoga too. It energizes and calms.
Ruth Mullaney December 8, 2017 - 9:58 AM
This time of year is extremely stressful for me. There's Christmas then in January I lost too many loved ones. I lost my daughter, mother, brother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law & grandpa. I've taken up coloring again, but get more stressed because there is so much small detail on some of them. I do counted cross stitch too. I love to listen to Southern Gospel music & classical especially waltzes.
Maureen December 8, 2017 - 9:57 AM
There is a lot of stress at this time of the year. I do yoga and I also do acupuncture as self care. I miss them if I do not. I also go for a walk (if possible) most afternoons. OK it is cold here (Midwest) but I I just put on more clothes. My husband and I have always walked after dinner from Spring until Early Fall. But this year things changed a bit as my father got sick and then two months ago (today) passed. I felt like the house was closing in on me and I would just walk, walk, walk. It also helped for the fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and DVT that I have to do something for myself. I still am a caretaker of sorts to my mother but I am told that I have to tend to myself as well because I won't do anyone any good if I am not good. I am wishing you all the best for a Happy Christmas.
Sandy Reese December 8, 2017 - 9:48 AM
Bake, bake, bake!!
Cathy J Cantin December 8, 2017 - 9:06 AM
This is an exciting time of year. It's hard to choose, but be willing to say no to some things! You have listed meditation and yoga as should do's. My advice don't should on yourself! Save these for a later time! Enjoy a few activities with your beautiful little girl. Turn the tv off and savor the lights! Be kind to yourself!
RG December 8, 2017 - 8:48 AM
Hi Jacque! Stress and anxiety are certainly part of all of our lives! I have found for me that when those feelings start to interfere with my completing my personal goals, my ability to enjoy everyday things or even try new things (like leaving the house to try a yoga or meditation class!) it is time to seek help from a therapist. You may very well be doing this but I just wanted to suggest it because therapy has been very helpful for me in learning to manage my chronic anxiety. Wishing you the very best! I am a long time fan!
Gailee Graham December 8, 2017 - 8:16 AM
Old I love Lucy reruns are my go to when I am stressed. They always make me laugh. The other thing I do is rearrange furniture. It keeps me busy and my mind focused. When I get done I get a sense of satisfaction at how I have used the same things to create an entirely new look.
Pam Rice December 8, 2017 - 1:54 PM
Nothing brings a smile on my face faster than a good old Lucy episode!! No matter how many times I see them I laugh and it does help lessen the stress! Happy Holidays!!!
Gailee Graham December 8, 2017 - 3:59 PM
Thanks Pam and same to you !
Diane Lucci December 8, 2017 - 8:16 AM
I do exactly what you are doing. At my age I made life a little easier by taking time out for family and helping all year instead of just gifts for Christmas
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