Here we are in the middle of a holiday season in the middle of a pandemic. Disappointment is high. Pressure is high. Stress is on overdrive. Holiday advertising began way before Thanksgiving. Santa Claus, holiday decorations, gifts, gatherings, masks and physical distancing consume our thoughts and overshadow reason. For some, the loss of a job or lack of money are making an oftentimes difficult situation even worse.

Women assume a lot of responsibility during this season. With others to care and provide for and so much to do, it is important that you take care of yourself to avoid becoming sick. It's impossible to have that holiday of everyone's dreams this year; we really need to protect ourselves and our loved ones by being extra careful.

One thing that overwhelms our senses starting with Thanksgiving and extending through the New Year is food; flavorful, rich, hearty winter food . Most of us are blessed to be surrounded by way more yummy food than we need. Some struggle with their desire to over indulge. For all of us, balance is the key. Finding balance is not always easy, but you are worth the effort.

I mentioned carving out time for self-care and this is essential. Make sure you get adequate sleep each night. Everyone's needs differ, but the National Institutes of Health recommend that adults get 7-8 hours per night. Bad sleep habits and long-term sleep loss will negatively impact your health.

Food is fuel for the human body. It provides us with the energy we need to accomplish all our holiday tasks. Learn to pay attention to your hunger cues. It doesn't matter what the clock says, when your body lets you know it is low on fuel, feed it.

Twenty minutes of "you time" each day can restore your sanity and renew your energy for the rest of your busy day. Find a safe, quiet place, take some deep breaths, listen to soothing music and try to clear your mind. When stress has you strung out, take that twenty-minute break instead!

If you celebrate holidays this season that include feasting with loved ones in your household, give yourself permission to eat what you'd like. When we give ourselves permission to enjoy food, we remove those feelings of guilt that only result in even more stress!

So, in summary, my advice for surviving the holiday season with your sanity intact is: get an adequate amount of sleep each night, eat when your body says it's time to refuel, take 20 minutes of "me time" each day, don't drink the WHOLE bottle of wine and give yourself permission to enjoy that holiday feast. You'll feel better for it.

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