10 best ways to be organized for the holidays

1. Have a food management plan in place. This will reduce stress about overindulging on unhealthy foods during the holiday season. Have protein before you attend an event so you won’t be starving when you get there. Then treat yourself to a handful of foods that you don’t usually eat.

2. Shop as early as possible. The week of Christmas, people are running around like crazed lunatics, and they aren’t always polite. It’s best to avoid the chaos.

3. Make a master list of all gifts and have it with you at all times. Mark off what you have purchased and what has arrived at your home.

4. Keep all gifts in one place! Not always easy with kiddos lurking, but at least write down your secondary location if you have to use one.

5. This is NOT the time to organize your holiday décor. The crazy season has begun. Do that after the holidays.

6. Give your nervous system some support. Sit outside for a few minutes in the morning to help set your circadian rhythm. Ground when you can (bare feet in grass is nice). Have a good breakfast. Do deep breathing throughout the day.

7. Say no. Sure you want to attend every event, but you don’t want to be stretched too thin. Don’t feel guilty about declining invitations. People will understand.

8. Take Xanax. Kidding! But if your Uncle Bob is going to annoy you with his love of a certain politician, have a firm chat with yourself about not killing him before you get there.

9. Treat yourself to a small gift (you’re worth it). Please note I did not say “several” lol.

10. Create ONE spot for the returns that are inevitable!

Gotta wonder why we do this to ourselves every year…