Three ways to 'release the pressure' this holiday season

The holiday season is where we see people work themselves into a frenzy to spark some kind of joy in these uncertain times. The stress, unmet expectations and personal conflicts can have the holidays feeling more like a deadline than enjoyment, and it can certainly bring out the best and the worst in people.?

According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 63% of adults described the holidays as stressful, overwhelming and exhausting. Women take on the bulk of the responsibilities as 74% feel stressed around this time of the year.?

These days all I see are tips on how to cope with the holidays instead of small changes you can make to actually enjoy them. You have the ability to decide how you want to spend your holiday season or what you want it to be. Sacrificing your mental and physical health doesn’t begin at work. It’s practiced at home. Before you go and internalize the actions of others or even be hard on yourself for not making things perfect, here are three basic truths that can help you ease your mind this holiday season:

You don’t have to do everything.

High achievers jump at the chance to plan the annual holiday party or potluck or even go as far as hosting only to end up depleted and exhausted without enjoying the festivities themselves. The false truth that you have to do everything can come from managing everyone else’s emotions except your own. You can do what you enjoy the most and trust me when I say most will appreciate this instead of you carrying bottled up resentment from thinking no one appreciates what you put together. Many high achievers have limited capacity, so it’s okay to say no. I have my one job of baking cookies this Christmas and every Christmas. If there was a year that I decide to do something different I have the confidence to know I will be okay and so will everyone else.

You won’t fit in.

If you’re called to be a leader then you already know it can be difficult to relate to those around you. But that’s the beauty of who you are. Bishop T.D. Jakes said you won’t fit in where you’re called to lead. If you are the odd one out or the one that thinks and operates differently then you’re most likely a generational pattern breaker. And let’s be honest no one else in your family has achieved the level of success you have. Remember you set the standard for how you want to live. The criticism may come with the territory, but choosing to suffer in it is sold separately.?

You are enough.

Start to make your life more meaningful instead of finding meaning in the things you do for others. Lose the all or nothing mentality in decorating, cooking, and Christmas shopping. Your presence is a gift. Rest easy off the strength that you have done enough for the year. It’s not enough to set your boundaries. You must honor them in ways that bring you peace of mind too. In this season of reflection take some time to remember who you are and what you already bring to the table.

Jennifer Branison is a women's leadership coach, author, and speaker. She had no idea that stress played a major role in developing some of the health conditions, which severely diminished her quality of life. She completely healed from four chronic diseases including high blood pressure...naturally. Now she is sharing her incredible story and the tools to break free from the dark haze of stress. As a women’s health advocate and speaker, Branison was featured in a Refinery 29 exclusive with senator-turned Vice-President Kamala Harris upon the introduction of the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act. Get her insight at (no cost) and learn how to Increase Your Confidence and Get Promoted WITHOUT Sacrificing Your Mental and Physical Health at ReleaseThePressureNow.com.