7 Tips for Staying Sane and Savoring This Holiday Season

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Without a doubt, the holidays are a crazy time of year (as well as “the most wonderful”!). From the end of November to the beginning of January, most rush around nonstop, trying to fit in dozens of events, activities, and responsibilities. And even though most look forward to this special season all year long, it’s still easy to stretch yourself too thin in the midst of all the festivities. According to Marla Tomazin, certified image consultant, that’s why it’s very important to take care of yourself as well as taking care of everyone else.

According to Tomazin, when you decide to have yourself a merry little Christmas, you’ll make more memories to cherish, you’ll be a more valuable help to your clients, and you’ll be in a good position to enter the new year already on a roll.

1. Make a list and check it twice. Realistically, you can focus only on one or two big goals at a time, no matter how adept you are at multitasking. That’s why Tomazin recommends sitting down (right now!) deciding what is most important to you and your business this holiday season, and prioritizing those things.

2. Give yourself the gift of health. When you’re this busy and stressed, it’s easy to become run down and spread yourself too thin. And on top of the strain that the holiday bustle can bring, it’s also cold and flu season … so make sure to take care of your physical needs. Tomazin recommends getting in some light exercise, even if you can work in only a short walk a few days a week. Also, be sure to drink lots of water, eat healthy foods, and avoid gorging on treats at every opportunity. Lastly, make a point to get enough sleep.

3. Go on a date … with yourself.Skin care professionals tend to be more or less constantly surrounded by other people during the holidays. However, even when it comes to clients, family and friends, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. To make sure you don’t become socially drained mid-season, make a point to do something by yourself every now and then. Maybe it’s sitting down to enjoy a cup of coffee in the middle of holiday planning. When you unwind and take a breather, Tomazin promises, your perspective will stay clear and your stress won’t become too overwhelming.

4. Plan ahead. Everyone talks about how the holidays “catch them by surprise” every year. In order to keep from being overwhelmed and overbooked in the coming weeks, Tomazin says that you need to look at your calendar right now. Start scheduling appointments and events early. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy seasonal events instead of just getting through them.

5. Let yourself off the hook, and be okay with that. Unless you’re Martha Stewart, you’ll never have a picture-perfect holiday season. To save your sanity, realize ahead of time that you might forget to buy a gift, that a team member might break a few low-hanging Christmas ornaments and that you might not be able to make all eight dozen cookie recipes you’ve collected.That’s normal, Tomazin assures, so don’t beat yourself up. Keep your focus on what’s really important and you’ll be less tense and harried—as well as more resilient!

6. Say no. Many skin care professionals have trouble saying no for a variety of reasons. However, Tomazin points out that until you learn to say no when you need to, you’ll never be in the driver’s seat of your own life. She’s adamant that you don’t have to do it all—nor should you. Decide ahead of time what’s most important to you and your business, and prioritize those things. Then you can feel okay about saying no to some of the rest.

7. Give yourself a gift (or two). Chances are, you’ve already started shopping for some of the items on your gift list. As you’re choosing the perfect presents for your spouse, kids, friends, and more, Tomazin reminds you not to forget yourself! It’s both okay and healthy to invest in yourself. Spending a few dollars or minutes on yourself might seem like a relatively small thing, but Tomazin promises that it can make a huge difference.

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