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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

The Y – Simply celebrate with gratitude

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It’s here: the season that we most eagerly await and dread at the same time.

What can you do differently this year to better enjoy family gatherings and the peace of the season? I searched the web for “work-life balance during the holidays” and found good advice from several authors. However, putting that advice into action is where most of us stumble.

Sharing simple changes, promises and plans with your family can make the holiday season less stressful for all. Here are some ideas:

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  • Don’t expect perfection – it’s unrealistic. Instead, focus on gratitude and be thankful for what you already have. When you consciously express emotional appreciation, you attract more feelings of contentment and peacefulness.
  • Delegate for success by asking family members to share in decorating, cooking, shopping and other tasks.
    Put all of your holiday activities – including work commitments, family celebrations and special events – into one planner. If it looks overwhelming, it probably is!
  • Determine which activities are most important to you. If attending your child’s school play is a top priority, say “no” to something else.
  • Keep up with your regular exercise regimen as much as you can. We especially need the endorphins during this busy time of year. Look for family-friendly classes that you can participate in with your children.
  • Plan out what you intend to eat and drink at parties and gatherings. Be mindful of your usual health and diet plan and stick to it.
  • Help your heart feel lighter. Donate to a nonprofit organization, adopt a family for gift giving or buy a bag of groceries for the food pantry. Contributing as a family will instill lifelong values in your children.

It may be easier said than done, but it’s up to each of us to help make this the most wonderful time of the year.

Keep it simple, focus on gratitude, make time for what is important to you and give to others who are less fortunate.

From our YMCA family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy holiday season!

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Judy Ellertson
Judy Ellertsonhttp://www.ymcachicago.org/fry/
Judy Ellertson is the Executive Director of the Fry Family Y and the Y Sports Complex. Contact her at jellertson@ymcachicago.org.

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