(And how you probably can, too.)

So, I guess it’s that time of year again. Already.

Thanksgiving is this week, Christmas is just around the corner, and so is the big new year of 2018. All through the days, then, a lot of us (myself included) find our days jam-packed with holiday gift shopping, party and get-together planning, and a lot of traveling. It’s all in the name of enjoyment, but it comes with its own stressful strings attached.

And, well, here’s some of the things I’m planning for myself to cut away at least some of the stress.

First, I’m going to get back into yoga. I’ve been bad about it lately and quit my daily sessions on the mat a few months ago… but I think now is a really good time to jump back into it. Meditative yoga, mostly, is what I’m looking forward to accomplishing time with these next two months or so. I’ve always found it a great way to take time for myself and just relaxxx.

Also, when I really want to workout, I do a lot better with intense yoga and pilates exercise videos because I have a really bad tendency to hold my breath and get lightheaded when I workout and yoga is all about focusing on your breathing so that helps me tremendously.

Secondly… I plan on setting aside time solely for writing. I’ve been making the quickest, heaviest progress ever with my current in-progress novel the past month or two, and I don’t want the busy holiday season to get in the way and slow me down. I really don’t have a ton more drafting to go before my next novel is nearly complete, too, so… I’m going to set aside the highest amount of time possible in dedication for it until it is entirely finished.

Having time chiseled out just for writing is an awesome idea, too, no matter what you’re working on… because it is also very meditative and has some special healing qualities of its own. Am I right?

Third, I am going to constrain myself with all my might from spending over my budgeted amount on holiday gifts and treats.

I don’t know what it is, but I always find it a lot easier to waste my money away on someone else rather than myself. It’s a great feeling to give someone else a gift that they’ll love, and it makes you feel really super selfless. And I’m talking about donations, too, because those always spike around the holidays (and I know I give a lot more this time of year, too, because the free stuff charities send me in the mail will always get some change out of me every time).

The thing is, though… as much as I love giving to others, I’m not a billionaire and I can only afford so much with my pretty unsteady income. And I’m not really old enough to have a ton of savings pocketed or in the bank… so I really have to watch myself. If you’re like me, you know how it goes. If money’s no concern to you, though… you have my blessing to go crazy this season!

Fourth… uhhhh, I’m gonna watch all of the Packer games (duh)!

…No more to say there, haha.

Fifth (and final, because I’m running out of ideas), I’m going to cherish and uphold the time that I do get to spend with my friends and family. Mostly with my siblings and niblings (nephews and nieces!).

I don’t get to spend as much time as I’d like with some of my family members, and this is the one time of year I’m actually guaranteed to see everyone at least one day or weekend. And, I know, that’s not a lot and I try really hard not to be jealous of those who get to spend time with their family every week or even every month or so… but, I still know there’s people who don’t get to see their family at all, whether during the holidays or elsewhere, and I want to be as thankful as possible for the few times I do get with mine.

And… that’s what Thanksgiving is all about and for, anyway, right?

Well, that’s my holiday to do list. Let me know what’s on yours… and if you think you could add any of mine to your own busy schedule!

Until next time, y’all!

-iKari