December and All That Jazz

Heart to Heart

Tips for Thriving in your Marriage

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No matter what holidays you celebrate, December can be a really stressful time. Everybody seems to be on overdrive! It's no coincidence that I hear more than my normal number of horror stories from couples in the months of December and January!

Here are a few tips for surviving the month if you tend to get caught up in the craziness:

• Make time to exercise, at least every other day. Science shows exercise lowers stress, anxiety and depression. If possible, try to exercise with your partner at least once a week (walks, health club, bike ride, etc.)

• Say "no" to any traditions you don't cherish. Don't just do it because 'it's always been done that way.' Your time is valuable!

• Focus on immediate family, rather than stuff.

• In this economic climate think "small and flexible" for gifts - perhaps an internet gift card that lets kids pick out exactly what they want accompanied by a heartfelt letter and a deck of cards from Shutterfly with your family's picture on it (with the promise of many card games together to follow!)

• If your extended family drives you nuts, draw some clear boundaries. Clarity can improve relationships, or at least make life easier!

• Make sure you get private down time, both as a couple and an individual. That might mean making sure you go to bed at the same time and talk a bit, walking in the woods and holding hands or reading a good book.  Adequate decompression time helps you enjoy the craziness.
   

MY NEXT COURSE FOR COUPLES STRUGGLING WITH ADHD STARTS ON MONDAY, JANUARY 9TH.  FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO THIS LINK.

© 2011 Melissa Orlov