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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

8 Ways to Stay (Mostly) Sane During the Holidays

Julie Owsik Ackerman

Last week I had a case of the grumpies. Then I realized that in my haste to take care of all my holiday duties, I hadn’t been taking very good care of myself. I got back to my faithful, tried-and-true remedies and voila, was restored to my (mostly) sane self.

I hope my list helps you enjoy your holidays!




  1.  Exercise – If a week goes by, and I haven’t done a few physical things, my brain goes haywire.
  2. Time outside – This is hard this time of year. I don’t love the cold, but I still need time outside, preferably in some woods, far from humans.
  3. Eating well - I eat sweets during the holidays, but I need to balance that with fruit and veggies.
  4. Resting - Self explanatory
  5. Fun! - See above video for inspiration. It's impossible to feel grumpy while watching a pug in costume.
  6. Unscheduled time - Somehow, we ended up with nothing on the schedule this past weekend. That allowed me time to run errands, see a dear aunt, and go to a Christmas concert.
  7. Meditation - I try to meditate every day, and at a minimum four days a week. It helps me un-rev.
  8. Time with Carl - I realized a few weeks ago that Carl and I hadn't had a date since July. Too long. We're going dancing on Friday - which kills many birds with one stone - fun/time with friends/time with Carl.
What helps you stay sane this time of year?

9 comments:

  1. Hi Julie, thanks for the fun video and reminders.
    Like you, I found time last weekend to spend an afternoon walking and browsing in Cape May with Chirs on Saturday and then drove up to Cherry Hill for a quick, but wonderful visit with a friend from California. Was absolutely reminded that being with friends and family is what really counts . Have a wonderful day.

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    1. Yes, enjoying time with family is one of my favorite things about the holidays!

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  2. Julie, I take off work between Christmas and New Year's and really love the staying put that I can do in between the family events. I love the events, but the quiet time is especially nice. Enjoy the wonder of Christmas with Daniel. Babies make Christmas so special.

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  4. Reading this has helped and following/listening to Pope Francis has been fun and helpful! http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-francis-christmas-messages?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NCRegisterDailyBlog+National+Catholic+Register#When:2013-12-25%2016:40:01

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    1. Thanks, Ted. Man, that Pope has some great ideas :)

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  5. I wish I had read this BEFORE today. This year, the holidays were more hectic than usual. However, thanks to Migo, I did get my walks every day...away from the activity and out in the park or the woods. And my time in the car en route to wherever were actually peaceful...aided by the "All Christmas Music All the Time" radio stations. My ride to Lebanon, PA via 422 was a lovely Christmas Eve expedition through towns I may have never seen: Robesonia, Schaefferstown, Sinking Spring. There was even a squall of snow right before I got to church.

    Next year, I take out your list Thanksgiving Day!

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  6. I like to read good novels, esp that of my friend, Julia! I say

    que milagro!!!!

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