By Pamela Katz Ressler, RN, BSN, HN-BC

v  Lower the bar -- Do you really need to be Martha Stewart?

v  Practice the fine art of saying “no” -- This simple word really is in our control!

v  Find a source of renewal amid the busyness -- For every hour that you spend on holiday tasks, take at least one to three minutes for renewal and centering.  This could be gentle stretching, meditation, or simply resting.

v  Embrace Wabi-Sabi –The Japanese aesthetic principle of imperfection=beauty

v  Learn to "Serial Task" – New studies show up to 40% more efficiency for those who perform tasks serially vs. simultaneously.

v  Prioritize Tasks --Write down everything you feel you must do, and then eliminate one or two items from the list.  Review your list periodically and see if you can eliminate other non-essential items.

v  Make a Have-Done List -- Acknowledge what you DID get done, and not what you didn’t.

v  Delegate -- Allow others to participate in the preparation – true, you need to give up control over the outcome…can you live with that?

v  Let Go of Expectations – your own expectations and expectations from others.

v  De-Tribe Once a Aay -- Take a mental and physical mini-vacation away from your “tribe”.  This could be a walk by yourself in nature, a soak in the tub, disappearing for 15 minutes with a good book and a cup of tea.  By consciously cultivating times of solitude, you will be more present with others when you return.