This is such a busy and stressful time of year for most of us and there is a tendency to use all types of substances to cope with the stress.  We tend to overeat, drink too much, and end up getting too little sleep.  All of these things may make us cranky and add additional stress to our lives.  So what to do?  Consider making yourself deadlines with consequences for yourself.  Sometimes natural consequences are not sufficient motivating factors.  At those time it is important to remember that you can motivate yourself.  Try this exercise to do just that:

1. Clearly state the thing you want to accomplish
2. Establish a final deadline for the task
3. Divide the task into smaller steps each with their own deadline
4. Set a reward for accomplishing the task on time

Often we are motivated by both the accomplishment of the task as well as the reward for the accomplishment of the task.  This coping methods is so much better than using food, drugs or other unhealthy ways to manage our holiday stress.  So as you move through the season we hope you do all in your power to manage your stress in a healthy manner so that your holiday is fun-filled and drama free.

“The secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in the mind.”  —  Thoreau