Recent studies and surveys show that if you are a woman, then you may actually be experiencing much higher levels of stress during the holiday season.
But why is that? For generations, society has upheld the idea that women are the primary preparers for the holidays… purchasing the presents, decorating the home, cooking the meals and (to our despair) cleaning up after, while also juggling careers and daily life.
This can be all too much for any one person. So how can we alleviate this stress, while encouraging and empowering women during the holiday season (especially this year)? While there may not be a quick-fix for these gender disparities in holiday stress, there are ways to reduce your own stress and feel more empowered – and to help other women feel this too.
Corie Adjmi, bestselling author of ‘Life and Other Shortcomings’ and women’s empowerment advocate, has a few ways that we can help lift up and empower women during the holiday season.
Here are Corie’s top three tips to help reduce stress and feel more empowered during the holidays:
- Tip #1: Take care of yourself.
On a plane, you’re told to put an oxygen mask on your child before yourself – the same applies here. You have to take care of yourself before you can adequately take care of others.
- Tip #2: Cherish the relationships you have.
Nurture your life more than your holiday checklists. We can tend to get too wrapped up in all the stuff that needs to get done that we forget the reason we’re celebrating to begin with.
- Tip #3: Cultivate gratitude.
When it comes to the holidays, perspective is everything. Having an attitude of gratitude can help people reduce stress and stay focused on what’s important while maintaining the joy of the season.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
