The holidays are right around the corner. And for those of us who grew up in an alcoholic/dysfunctional family, that's usually a trigger for anxiety and stress. What to do?

If you have a plan, then you’ll be best prepared to handle anything that comes your way.

What I find to be extremely helpful is to be well-prepared. I do not like to leave things to the last minute around the holidays (that’s the over responsible part of my growing up in a dysfunctional family coming out).

Keep in mind that there are only so many hours in the day and that you need to rest and have sleep. Running all the time to get everything done, will just tire you emotionally and psychologically.

For the holidays, I like to carve out time to:

• Read

• Listen to music

• Go for a walk or run

• Play games

Maybe some of the hobbies that I listed aren’t for you and that’s fine. Make certain that you carve some time out to take care of yourself.

Defend Your Boundaries

How often have you agreed to do something extra around the holidays? To help out a family member or friend? Work longer or harder to meet an end of the year deadline?

If you always say “yes,” then it’s important to set boundaries.

One of the easiest things to do is to turn your phone off.

Before we were attached at the hip with our phone, people would call us on our landline phones. And if we didn’t want to answer, we let the message go right to voicemail.

These days with GPS tracking and texting, people can not only know exactly where you are but reach you in a second.

Stop that. Only a few people actually need to reach you so quickly.

By unplugging, you’re not only setting a strong boundary but also giving yourself distance and space from the constant notifications that ping you incessantly throughout the day.

Leave your phone off more often around this time of year.

Make certain you treat yourself right (read, take a bath, listen to music, whatever helps you) and be sure to get the food and rest you need.

Running around constantly and being always on, will not only tire you out but it’ll take the fun out of the holidays for you.

Prepare and be strong.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.