Happy Friday and cheers to the weekend. Today I want to give you some tools that I use during the stressful holidays to help anyone who may need it. From the stress of holiday shopping to mental health relief these tools work for me. Not all that I suggest will work for you. My hopes is that you use the tools to encourage you to add to the list so that whatever you need you have readily available especially if you are traveling or off to spend time with family and friends.
5 Podcasts to Listen to
Podcasting has been a personal joy. It’s called a Blogcast. I call it that as I use my voice in my blog form to talk about mental health, stress, and what’s happening in these internet streets. From the beginning of this journey, I have always wanted to talk about things that people usually stray away from. For me it’s honest and personal conversation regarding the ups and downs of my journey. I know me better than anyone else. It’s easy for me to talk about my own pitfalls because I know it will encourage someone else. Here are some podcasts that I like to listen to from time to time:
- Christmas and Holiday memories good and bad
- The Reclaimed Podcast
- Turn to your Neighbor
- Ratchet and Respectful
- Dead Ass with Khadeem and Devale
Journaling through Stressful Moments
Journals are a great way to communicate what is on your heart and mind. From being honest about a blunder from the day or uplifting a win it can help focus your thoughts like no other. Some people struggle where to start. You can start with how you are currently feeling. From there your writing will take on its own character. Journal entries don’t have to be novels. They also do not have to be so rigid and formal. There are days I write in complete sentences and other times when simple words are all I must express myself. Here are a few journal prompts to ask yourself during the holidays:
- What is your stress trying to tell you?
- When your stress what calm down techniques do you use?
- How often are you doing a personal check in?
- If you could be anywhere right now and why?
- If you could go back to a place in your past what would it be and why? What lessons from your past can help you now?
Tools that I use to Assist with Stress
There are a million and one things. From using my phone with apps like Calm to do an impromptu mindfulness activity. I have a playlist that I use to help boost my moods too. From gospel to upbeat melodies that I like that make me feel empowered in every way. Either way tools that help me cope in a moment’s notice. When I am sleeping, my SleepPhones are key to help me dose off to noise without disturbing my husband in his sleep. To journal prompts and crossword puzzles to give my mind a break. Additional tools that I use:
- Tapping
- 3 3 3 rule
- 5 5 5 rule
- Listen to music/podcast
Christmas and Holiday Breaks
I encourage you to get your family moving. Whether that is taking a walk in your neighborhood to getting them out to an event that is nearby. In addition, do not plan every second of the holiday break. Let the kids simply do what kids do. That means play with toys, enjoy a show, rest, or just simply be. I know parents love their kids but hate long breaks. They think that having every moment ready is key. However, that isn’t necessary. Having too many plans can make you the parent have more stress. So do yourself and those around you to simply enjoy some rest. You are deserving of some down time before things pick up again before the New Year.
Conversations with Toi
On the podcast episode, I talk about doing things like breaks, tools, and more to use. I talk about live examples that have happened to me during holiday get togethers. Not everything is deserving of a response. So be careful where you give your energy to. Thank you for rocking out with me this year on the podcast. I will have a recap in a few days of some of this year’s highlights. If you have been on this blog for a while, you also know that I will also highlight those lessons learned That means failures that I have experienced in every area. Next week will also be the last episode of the year but of Season 9. We going to talk about some goals I think people miss.
Well, that is all. I will have a fresh blog ready for Christmas day. I will also recap my Christmas day the day after. Expect fresh blogs to start the New Year. I may be introducing some new series. Series are a great way to focus content for you. Have the best Christmas for those who celebrate. May the day be a day of peace for you and those you love. Remember it’s okay to have had enough and step back for the things you don’t want to participate in.
