JumpStart Llama Day (12/9/24)

QUOTE:  "Stress is not what happens to us.  It is our response to what happens.  And response is something we can choose." (Maureen Killoran)

MESSAGE: Today I looked at my calendar and it sank it that it’s really only two weeks until Winter Break. I felt like I was in a cartoon where all the alarms are going off and the background is flashing different colors - so much to do between now and then!

It’s that time of year when schedules become more packed than usual, interpersonal relationships seem larger, the weather is cold and dark, and the cultural expectation is to experience nothing but joy this season - not to mention all the other expectations, like gifts, get-togethers, donations, etc.  Let’s pick apart holiday stress and how to manage it better this year.

First, remember that stress is how we respond to situations, not the situation itself. It’s why hosting a party for 30 guests might send some people over the edge while for another person it’s just another thing on the list. ALSO, I believe that de-stressing (taking away the stress) is not even possible.  We can prevent it and we can manage it once we feel stressed

Our stress response varies by individual.  For some, it’s an increases heartrate or breathing.  For others, there’s sweat involved, or tears. Some people are driven to immobility to act, either literally or in the form of procrastination.  What’s your response?

• What do you find stressful this season?
• Why do these events initiate your stress response?

Consider these to help manage the stress this year:

• Set better boundaries
• Open/start communication
• Initiate a difficult conversation
• Reframing
• Practice gratitude
• Lean into curiosity
• Ask for what you need
• Find the root cause
• Work with a professional
• Meditate/work through on your own

Physically, now’s the time to really focus on your health, too.  Limit sugar, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.  Work for optimal sleep time, and moving with intention most days.

>>This post as a Think Sheet to work through these topics and create SMART Goals.

THIS WEEK, TRY THIS:  What’s a self-care strategy you already employ that could maybe be magnified just a bit to really effect change this season?

DAD JOKE:  I'm confused.  How can a funeral home raise its prices, and blame it on the cost of living?