Decide Your "NO" Ahead of Time. You do not need to interact with everyone, go to every event, or stay anywhere you feel uncomfortable. Identify those people, events, and situations that you want to avoid and opt out. It's OK. Saying NO is self care.

TAKE MICRO BREAKS FOR YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. Deep breathing helps to soothe your nervous system. It's amazing how effective it actually is. My favorite pattern is 4-8 breathing. Breathe in for four seconds, pause, and then exhale through pursed lips for 8 seconds, and pause. Repeat for a few cycles and you will feel calmer.

USE A GROUNDING PHRASE. Pick a simple phrase to repeat before or when you are feeling overwhelmed. Find a safe space to step away to for a moment, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and repeat the phrase either out loud or in your head. Feel the calm enter your body and the tension leave it as you breathe. You are safe. Self-care is important. I am proud of you.

SCHEDULE YOUR PEACE Take time for yourself to step back and reset. Put it on the calendar. Even if its's 10 minutes. Take a break. You deserve it!

I am sharing these here once they go up on my social media. I feel like these are things people need to hear and know it's ok to give themselves grace. The holidays are stressful enough without beating yourself up because things aren't "perfect". Day One of the series. LOWER THE BAR INTENTIONALLY. You don't have to be perfect or "keep up with the Jones'". Do what you can and know that it is enough.