Episode 258 - How to Minimize Stress During the Holidays

As we go into the holiday season, especially this year with COVID-19 preventing us from getting together with our families, most people find that they’re experiencing higher stress levels than ever before.   That’s why, in today’s episode, we thought it would be great to have our dear friend, Jon Skidmore, with us to talk about some of the challenges that are associated with this time of year and how we can make a great experience out of this year’s Christmas time. We dive into what traditions mean to us in general and why the increased level of expectations can create additional stress in our lives, as well as why we need to set certain boundaries around some of the traditions that bring more anxiety than fulfillment. Jon stresses the importance of relationships and why we should prioritize them, and he describes how we can change our narrative by playing the ‘Yes, and’ game.   Jon Skidmore is a licensed psychologist, professor at Brigham Young University, therapist, and he’s had the chance to work with thousands of people over the years. Jon co-wrote a book with us, called ‘Conquer Anxiety’, and he has some amazing insight around this topic, especially now, when the holidays are knocking on our doors.   You are in for a treat today, so listen to Episode 258 of Becoming Your Best, to learn how you can better cope with the stress and anxiety caused by COVID-19 and 2020’s holiday season.   Some questions I ask: What are you seeing in the landscape right now, as far as stress and anxiety with the holidays coming up? (03:12) What are some of the things that people can specifically do to minimize anxiety and stress this month? (08:42) Any other thoughts on traditions? (17:04) Any final thoughts or tips that you have, as we go into the next three or four weeks of December here? (22:04)  In this episode, you will learn: The importance of prioritizing the relationships in our lives and staying connected with the people we care about. (05:43) How to rewrite the stories you tell yourself. (10:17) Why you should set boundaries around the traditions that are stressful to you. (11:58) The rule of thumb for this holiday season and the ones that follow. (15:27) The ‘Yes, and’ rule. (19:22) What the book “Conquer Anxiety” can teach you in terms of reducing the stress around this particular time. (22:56)  Connect with Jon: LinkedIn Website Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: [email protected]   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.