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!
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