When the DRAMA hits . . .

Well, Thanksgiving is over and it’s on to the Christmas Season and it’s been radio silence from me . . .  No photos of my early Thanksgiving Feast, the actual Thanksgiving day meal of true Southern food, no Christmas Challenge or even Post-turkey workouts.  This is not because I haven’t had tons to say and share but because of the Drama that has come pouring down.  (No, this is not a “How to handle the stress of the Holidays” post, although it might could relate).  I have found that drama  comes in certain seasons of our lives to each and every one of us.  And never at a convenient time.  Some folks are blessed to have less drama than others and then some poor folks seem to have it swirling.  By drama, I mean anything that hits you like a brick and de-rails you from your normal schedule and forces you to focus on one thing and leave others on the back burner.  It could be a huge work project, exam crunch time, maybe a particularly busy time with kids’ schedules, the extra commitments of the Holidays, a sick child or relative and the care required.  It can be any of these things and all of these things.  Heck, I remember when I used to work full time as a lawyer – I always said that Christmas was a full time job on top of my full time job!  Whatever it may be, it may have you feeling overwhelmed, frazzled, time-crunched and completely drained.  I’ve had some of that and have found a few things that have helped.  Yep, it’s a list again – and maybe just one item will help you out when the drama hits you or someone you know.

1.  Have a normal day – or part of a day.   Find one day to have a normal routine.  If that’s going for a run, doing the laundry, walking the dog, paying bills, whatever it is it seems to help me to do something that is in my normal routine.  You’ve accomplished something and feel a little normal.

2.  Vent to a friend.  This is huge.  I have a couple of friends that can always talk me down off the ledge.  I bet they are pretty sorry they are my friends at times. . . . And don’t forget about your pets.  They have really good listening ears and offer great cuddles when you need it.

3.  Breathe.  Best advice ever.

4.  Do something physical.  Sometimes it’s only taking the stairs, doing a set of push-ups, going through some yoga poses.  Something is better than nothing.  You may not have time for a regular one hour workout, so go strong and hard for 20 minutes.  Work hard for the time you have.  Huge help.    

5.  Forget the Perfectionism.  Seriously, this is key.  If you are time-crunched and busy and distracted beyond all reason, something has to give.  Maybe it’s the laundry, the leaves, the grass, the projects that need to be completed, the list could go on.  Most things can wait.  Do what is necessary and forget the rest until the drama passes or, at least, gives you a break.

6.  Take the hand.  The helping hand, that is.  If you have a life event, folks want to help.  If you are slammed at work, folks understand.  Let them help.  This used to be a hard pill for me to swallow, but no more.  That’s what friends do.  We love and help our neighbors.   Just remember, you would want to do something for these same folks if they needed it, and they will at some point and you can be right there.

7.  Know that it is just a season and it will pass.  Some dramas are short-lived.  Those exams will be finished by Christmas.  Boards and Bar exams have an ending date.  Projects have deadlines.  Christmas comes December 25th.  Granted,  some dramas last longer than others, but know, at some time,  things will calm down and eventually get back to some type of normalcy.  

8.  Hug a child.  If you have a child- and if not, just hug one anyway.  Somehow it just helps put all things right in perspective.  Even if that child is a surly teenager. . . 

That’s what I’ve come up with that has helped me in the past.  Some of them help at certain times and some at others.  Maybe there’s one nugget you can file away and bring out if and when the drama swirls and traps you.  

I hope the drama stays away from you this Holiday!  If you need to vent, I’m here!

What do you do when the drama comes?  Are you one of the lucky ones who seems drama-free?  Any tips you can share? 

HAVE A GREAT DAY!