This is the season of giving -- a time where many go to great lengths to show their generosity. I love to give: Give gifts. Give time. Give effort. But, I often find myself being 'The boy who can't say no.' I hate to use myself as an example (particularly when it is an example of something bad!) The truth is- it is possible to give too much, and I need to periodically remind myself of this to keep from winding up in the weeds.
With all of the family obligations, shopping trips, Christmas Pageants, company dinners, and cocktail parties, you may find yourself overextended during the holiday season more than at any other time of the year.
How do you fulfill your obligations, and take care of everyone else while still managing to take care of yourself? How do you make everyone happy?
-Be OK with the fact that you won't make everyone happy. Accept that you simply cannot do it all. This doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you a realistic one.
-Prioritize. Look at the things in front of you. Which obligations fulfilled will enhance your life & the lives of those around you? You probably think you have to do a whole bunch of things which really have no significant bearing on anything other than your own sense of obligation.
-Outsource! When possible, delegate authority. Can your kids help grandma get her computer running? If you are having a holiday dinner, maybe make it a pot luck- or assign dishes to guests. Take some of the burden off yourself.
-Give yourself some time. When you are overextended, it can be nearly impossible to take care of yourself. How much good can you do for anyone if you are unhappy and exhausted? Get up a few minutes early to take a brisk walk. Give an receive a massage from your partner. Even something as simple as an extra long hot bath can do much to help you feel recharged.
Happy Holidays!
Andrew Kirschner, D.O., is a board-certified physician with a private practice in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and a consultancy in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating individuals and couples with musculoskeletal and back pain. To learn more about his practice, please visit BackTogether.org.
From: My newest post on Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Daily « BackWords | 12/17/10 at 3:22 pm
[...] Here is my most recent post on Martha Stewart’s Whole Living Daily. The holiday season is a time of giving, but is it possible to give too much? Here are some tips on surviving the holidays without wearing yourself too thin, and burning out. [...]