Thanks to Crystal Light for sponsoring this post. To learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight.

For those of you reading who are mothers, you indeed know the true meaning of sacrifice—when it comes to giving, moms are usually the ones who extend more love, time, and energy to our children and families. And sometimes, doing so can leave us worn out, stressed out, and completely burned out.

But we deserve more for ourselves.

There is a sign on my fridge that states: “If Mama Ain’t Happy, No One is Happy”. I can’t remember who gave me the trinket but it does speak volumes in terms of the way I live my life—taking care of your family well requires you to treat yourself well.

How can we as mothers who juggle anything and everything under the sun keep it all in perspective to help make our lives and the lives of our loved ones better?

Here are a few tips I use in order to be good to myself so I can be good to my family:

• Take a time-out: Taking a daily time-out at least once a day away from kids, spouses, work-life, friends, TV, Internet, etc. can give you a sense of calm and fulfillment. Unplugging and unwinding just for a few minutes each day can do wonders for your stress level and your overall happiness.
• Spa-out: I am not a baller, but I make sure to make it to the spa for a massage at least once every six week to keep stress at bay and keep myself feeling good. A massage is a great way to refresh yourself and rid yourself of toxins. And yes, it feels oh so good.
• Break-out: Bottling up feelings or emotions can have a horrible affect on your overall well being. When you are upset, angry, or sad, make sure to have an outlet. If not, once day, you are bound to explode.
• Get-out: Have a night out with your spouse or significant other or your girlfriends to appreciate what the night life has to offer every so often. Never feel guilty for spending time alone with your friends or your husband away from the kids. Keep it spicy.

Being good to yourself so you can be good to others is a rule that I follow in order to keep myself sane, refreshed, and healthy. What are things that you do to take care of you?

Remember, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight to learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors. I was selected and paid for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

About The Author

The Cubicle Chick, otherwise known as Danyelle Little, is the owner and editor of TheCubicleChick.com. After losing her job in Corporate America in 2009, she found a way to channel her frustration into a site that focuses on work, life, and play. Danyelle blogs and administers this site full-time, freelances for several other sites and publications, and works as a social media consultant to other brands, bloggers, and businesses. You can learn more about her by visiting DanyelleLittle.com.

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Now that the holiday season is in full swing with no signs of stopping, you can’t go anywhere without the festive signs of the year being thrown in your face. Everywhere you look, on television, in stores, and even driving down main street, there is no avoiding the holiday season. But some of us aren’t so amped for this time for year—I have a really good friend who suffers from the holiday blahs and she could care less about the holiday season. Signs of the holiday blahs can be anything from mild to severe depression, withdrawal from family and friends, sudden bursts of anger, and extreme moodiness. The holiday season isn’t always a joyful occasion for all of us.

You don’t have to let the holiday blahs take over you, though. There are coping mechanisms or ways to channel your sullen mood into something more positive. Here are 5 tips to help you overcome the holiday blahs:

Lower Your Stress Level

Holiday blahs could be a result of an increased stress level. Some of us get overwhelmed by massive amounts of stress, so the best thing to do when you begin to feel down is lower your stress level. Don’t allow yourself to take on too much at one time. Delegate when you can, and instead of striving for perfection during the holidays, relish in the holiday spirit of spending time with your loved ones. Relax, and make sure you take time out for yourself. A healthier you makes for a healthier family.

Write it Out

Sometimes, journaling or writing out your thoughts can be a much needed self-therapy. Purchase a journal or notebook to write down your feelings and purge those negative thoughts or feelings, or better yet, use your computer and blog or compose your thoughts in a Word document. You will be amazed at how releasing your feelings through writing can make you lighter and make you think clearer.

Lean on a Friend

We all have that one friend in our circle who can make everything all right when everything feels all wrong. Lean on a friend you trust and confide in them. Let them know your thoughts and your feelings—what is it about the holiday that is making you feel this way? Sometimes, the thoughts, opinions, and companionship from a friend could be just what the doctor ordered.

Calgon, Take Me Away

How about relaxing with a long bubble bath? Or investing in a spa treatment or massage? During the hustle and bustle of the holiday, it can become easy to lose focus on yourself in lieu of others. But I always say, “if mama isn’t happy, no one is happy”, and that is often true. We have to be good to ourselves so we can be good to others, and a massage or spa treatment could release some tension and frustration and make you feel better about yourself.

Hobby Anyone?

I know when I am stressed, I often immerse myself in my hobby (I write poems) and it is very much a stress reliever. Instead of ignoring your hobby during this holiday season in lieu of the preparation of family, friends, and the like, dive into your hobby and take time out of your day to do what you enjoy. It could make all the difference and help ease your holiday blahs.

If you are still feeling down and out after trying some of these tips, you may need to consult your physician or medical provider. Depression is a very serious condition, and if you are exhibiting feelings of sadness and despair that doesn’t go away after a short period, there may be a deeper issue. Consult your doctor and make them aware of your symptoms.

The holiday is supposed to be a joyful time for you and your family. Don’t let the holiday blahs interrupt your holiday season.

Photo Credit: Essence.com

About The Author

The Cubicle Chick, otherwise known as Danyelle Little, is the owner and editor of TheCubicleChick.com. After losing her job in Corporate America in 2009, she found a way to channel her frustration into a site that focuses on work, life, and play. Danyelle blogs and administers this site full-time, freelances for several other sites and publications, and works as a social media consultant to other brands, bloggers, and businesses. You can learn more about her by visiting DanyelleLittle.com.

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Thanksgiving is a holiday that ushers in the the joyous Christmas season. And since it is a time of family gathering and large festivities, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out making sure everything is just right. The food, the decor, the invites are all wonderful parts of celebrating Thanksgiving, but we should never forget the reason for the season, and it should be enjoyable for you as well as your loved ones.

Here are 7 ways to make your Thanksgiving stress free:

1. Quality over Quantity

When planning your Thanksgiving feast, concentrate on quality and not quantity. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and people would appreciate a small festive gathering over a humungous feast anytime. Why stress yourself out preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal when you can serve a small group and manage to enjoy yourself while doing so? The wonderful decor, place settings, and smorgasbord of food is indeed great for all of your guests, but if their hostess is tired and stressed out, it will be hard for them to have fun. Relax, downsize, and let the good times roll.

2. Closeness Counts

It’s a good thing when we are able to invite everyone in our Rolodex to our gatherings, but the amount of time and money that would have to go into such an affair is taking away from the fun of the season. Invite close relatives to your Thanksgiving get together and keep it a close and small gathering of loved ones.

3. Let Someone Else Do It

As women on the move, we are so used to doing everything ourselves. But there is nothing wrong with letting someone else do it. Offer to bring a few dishes to a Thanksgiving gathering at someone else’s house, and trade spaces every year so you aren’t stuck doing the entertaining every Thanksgiving.

4. Skip Black Friday

Dare I say skipping Black Friday may be the way to go? With all of the sales and closeouts that are being offered now along with Cyber Monday, why fight the hustle and bustle of the strip malls and department stores and opt for a more quieter shopping experience? Less stress can have a positive effect on you during the holiday season.

5. Have it Catered

Having your Thanksgiving meal catered is another option to help cut down on your stress. Honeybaked Ham is a good option for your Thanksgiving meal and most grocery stores and supermarkets offer prepared Thanksgiving meals that are made to order specifically for you.

6. Get a Cleaning Service

You may not be able to afford a cleaning service all year around, but it’s a good idea to splurge on one during the holiday season. These professionals can come and clean your home from top to bottom, allowing you time to focus on other things. In addition, these services are offering discounts for holiday cleaning and first time visits, so it may be well worth the extra change to invest in a service.

7. Stay at Home

We all love to travel and see our family in other cities and states, but traveling during the holidays can be stressful and trying. Instead of hopping on the road or taking to the friendly skies, opt to stay at home and travel to see your loved ones during other times in the year when there isn’t so much going on. I know doing so doesn’t paint that “perfect holiday picture” but it may just keep you sane during the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving.

You are supposed to enjoy the holidays and your loved ones, not be in panic mode over menus, guests, and preparation. I want you bask in the holiday glow and not become fried under it! I hope the 7 tips above help take the stress out of your Thanksgiving.

Here’s to a Happy Thanksgiving!

About The Author

The Cubicle Chick, otherwise known as Danyelle Little, is the owner and editor of TheCubicleChick.com. After losing her job in Corporate America in 2009, she found a way to channel her frustration into a site that focuses on work, life, and play. Danyelle blogs and administers this site full-time, freelances for several other sites and publications, and works as a social media consultant to other brands, bloggers, and businesses. You can learn more about her by visiting DanyelleLittle.com.

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Your deadline at work is fast approaching. The kids both have to be at different places at the same time, and you have have a few personal projects that you have been putting off because you never have time to finish them. What’s worse is the last two times you’ve had a “vacation”, you ended up spending most of the time working on your laptop and staying connected to the office with your Blackberry. When was the last time that you just let it all go?

Last year, I found myself at a crossroads. I was stressed out, worn out, burnt out, and then some. I had lost my passion for my craft and for my job and I didn’t know how to get it back. I did everything for everyone but failed to take care of myself. I had to make a decision about my future. If I was going to continue on the journey in which I started, I had to make some time for myself to work on my book, my blog, my projects.

I had to learn to say no to some things to keep my sanity.

Is it hard for you to say no? Do you often say yes to things to help others and then find that you cannot help yourself? I was there. It came a time that I had to say enough is enough. In order to succeed, I had to concentrate on me and starting what I finish.

I now do things in moderation. I don’t say yes a lot anymore—that is because I don’t want to find myself being overwhelmed again. I am about my brand and my blog first and foremost and then everything that I am involved in has to follow in line.

As women, we have the world on our shoulders. We tend to lead and follow without giving a thought about what that means in the long run. It usually means that we don’t have time for self but it doesn’t have to be like that.

Commit yourself to things that are in your plan and in your realm. If it doesn’t fit, don’t do them. And always leave time for yourself to be alone and enjoy time with YOU. When on vacation, enjoy it! Do not spend it working or even thinking about work. And last but not least, do not invite people in your life who do not understand that even though you are Superwoman and you can leap tall buildings in a single bound, does not mean that you have to do on a daily basis. Why make life any harder than it has to be?

Can you just let it all go? For at least a moment, enjoy life without a To-Do list, a schedule, email, or the workplace calling? These are the times. Enjoy your life. And get out of it what you put in.

Comments?

About The Author

The Cubicle Chick, otherwise known as Danyelle Little, is the owner and editor of TheCubicleChick.com. After losing her job in Corporate America in 2009, she found a way to channel her frustration into a site that focuses on work, life, and play. Danyelle blogs and administers this site full-time, freelances for several other sites and publications, and works as a social media consultant to other brands, bloggers, and businesses. You can learn more about her by visiting DanyelleLittle.com.

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Written By: TaniJoy, TheCubicleChick.com Contributor

I know some of you are looking at the title and shaking your head, but trust me, it’s a valid question and topic. Recently, there was a situation at my job where a teammate complained about us having fun at work. We were all amazed that there could be such a thing. She stated that she came to work to work and not to play games. In my opinion the economy sucks, people are unemployed and can’t find work, and stress levels are at a all-time high. Why would you not want to have a little fun while on the clock?

About twice a week my boss would allow us 30-45 minutes away from our desk for a brain break. During the break we would play Pictionary, Scattegories, Hangman, etc. When we first started my boss would send us an email and we would meet in a central location to play. She started to notice that 2 or 3 people would take their precious time coming in the room, and when they got there they would not participate. My boss had to start promoting team morale and energy because those few people were bringing us down.

I know we all go to work to make a living and support our families, but if you are meeting your goals and are not behind, what’s wrong with relieving some stress? I would have never thought someone would complain about playing games, decorating your desk for holidays, and having team potlucks. What are your thoughts on this? Would you like to have such brain breaks during your stressful work day?

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Written By: Tanijoy, TheCubicleChick.com Contributor

There is a time in everyone’s life where you will experience stress in the workplace. Some people have no idea what the symptoms of stress are, so I will take you with me on the journey of stress, the affects of stress on your body, and how to deal and fight the evil stress monster.

According to the Mayo Clinic: “Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life.”

From experience, I can detect when I am stressed out in the workplace. I will dread going to work, and when I get to work I am moody, standoffish, and just out of it. It is a good thing to approach your boss if you feel as if your workload or working environment is becoming too stressful and triggering health issues or causing your work productivity to decrease. Normally, upper management should be trained on how to deal with employees that are stressed out in order to maintain a peaceful and productive work environment.

Stress Symptoms:

Headache (Migraines)
Back pain
Stiffness in your neck
High Blood pressure
Ulcers
Inability to focus

Stress can cause:

Strokes
Heart attacks
Drug abuse
Alcohol abuse
Social withdrawal
Depression
Obesity/Anorexia
Sleeping disorders

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please consult with your primary care physician or seek help from a counselor. If you don’t want to have to financially deal with your stress issues, there are many stress relief/management techniques that you can do from the privacy of your home, such as: meditation, exercise, massage, laughing (which you may not even think about when you’re stressed), and reading. If none of those options work , you should look into taking a stress leave from work.

Stress leave is a period of time where you are allowed to take paid time off from work to get yourself back together and healthy. In order for a doctor to approve stress leave, you must have visible health issues such as the ones mentioned above. Stress leave can normally last up to an year depending on your length of tenure with your employer.

If you have read this and come to the realization that your working environment is the cause of your stress issues, please seek help and take care of yourself. Stress can be fatal, so if you want to stick around longer and enjoy life abundantly, please value your life and talk to someone.

How do you deal with stress in the workplace?

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