GIT Mom's Guide to Keeping Your Sanity this Holiday Season
Tis the season for holiday parties, meals to cook, presents to wrap, in-laws to face, and a house to clean – in other words, tis the season for holiday stress.
Eirene Heidelberger, a certified parent coach and the President & CEO of GIT Mom, a full service parent coaching firm dedicated to helping moms get it together so they have more time to do the activities they most enjoy, while also giving their children the kind of parenting they need. Eirene Heidelberger tells us how to enjoy the holiday season and keep your sanity.
#1: Move your body every day
Schedule it and then do it, even if it’s for only 30 minutes.  I’m sure you’re thinking, “Yeah, right woman, you can’t even begin to understand my to-do list.” Get over it.  Studies prove you will be less cranky, feel more awake and get more done and I promise less irritated with everyone who is currently annoying you so just do it!
#2: Commit on paper to due dates for each to-do
Getting it all down and out of your head will keep your brain from swimming in responsibilities. Any time something pops up that you need to do, write it down, this way you won’t forget anything. Mommy brain doesn’t go away, you just need to get better at dealing with it.
#3: Be realistic with your time
There are only so many hours in the day and over-scheduling yourself doesn’t help anyone. Re-scheduling a school volunteering opportunity doesn’t make you a terrible mother; it makes you a smart and sane one.  Taking care of your family starts with taking care of you.
#4: Plan a fun outing for 2015
Whatever your brain needs: day drinking, hiding in bed watching a movie, a massage, it doesn’t matter what it is. Whenever you feel your blood pressure rise – - go to that place in your mind and envision this future lifeline moment and the current craziness will bother you much less.
#5: Say “No” and say it guilt-free
You know yourself best.  If you can’t take one more party invitation without screaming, don’t do it. I recently said “No” to attending a school event.  When I politely explained that I just didn’t have the time, the event planner appreciated my frankness and another mom even commented, “You’re amazing for standing up for your needs.” Do what makes you happy, as long as you say and do it “professionally”. Don’t be a doormat in 2014 or ever.
