When overwhelmed I try to imagine what I'd say to someone I loved in the same situation, then take my own advice. I give very good self-care advice, just find it hard to live by it. Unhooking from the phone, from obligations that are not really all that important, rituals that no longer suit...can open up a lot more stress-free time in life. Sing breaks always good, but so is just listening to music, focusing on it for 20=30 minutes. Easier than meditating and almost as good for you...maybe better.

No tree yet, and if things get too hectic, and I end up with no tree...well, there is always next year. I can always go out and enjoy other people's trees, decorations...excesses.

Triage...figure out what is the most important, and do that...and let the rest be way lower down on the list.