You can choose to feel good and be happy throughout the holiday season!
What makes you think this time of year is stressful? Could it be past holiday seasons where you really did feel the weight of the extra activity? Do you feel overwhelmed with work, kids AND shopping/entertaining? Are you worried about money? Do you feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to get it all done? Before I get into 10 Ways to Beat Holiday Stress, check out this home-based business opportunity for helping you attain More Free Time!
I believe that our attitudes make a huge difference in how each day unfolds before us. This means that setting the intention for a smooth holiday season will be your first step in realizing a smooth holiday season! Let’s think more about managing our stress through 10 Simple Ways that we can take care of ourselves during the upcoming holidays.
- Plan ahead. Make lists of people you will be entertaining or buying gifts for. Start shopping early and reduce the last-minute store runs that add stress to your life.
- Look at pretty things. I recently found some beautiful cards from GraceScapes Designs…hand-made note cards made by my friend Linda. She did all the photography herself and used phone applications to enhance some of the cards. They turned out so beautiful I had to buy some as a gift and a few for myself. I enjoy looking at her pretty cards as I enjoy looking at the full moon, a gorgeous sunset or pretty pictures from around the world. Looking at pretty things makes me happy and calms my spirit.
- Relax and Read. Find a quiet place in your house and keep your favorite books stacked up. Choose a 15-30 minute time block, set your alarm and read for your allotted time. Allow yourself to be absorbed in your book and enjoy soaking in a story or some knew knowledge that will enrich your life.
- Take a long walk. I’m talking about a long slow journey. Set out to enjoy the scenery, clear your mind and perhaps meditate on something positive. This would be a 2-5 mile trek that gives you enough time to get away from the rat race and enjoy just being you.
- Restore and renew with a restful focused yoga class. The two that come to mind are Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra. I’m not a huge fan of Yin Yoga, but if you prefer that, go for it. Restorative and Nidra are designed to help you calm your nervous system and slow down the brain waves to allow for natural healing in mind and body.
- Play soothing music. I love Hilary Stagg who created beautiful music with the harp. You can see pretty things AND listen to soothing music here:
7. Start cleaning now. Take one room at a time and organize or clean until it’s done. Move onto the next room. Or take one cleaning action for one day and make that your only cleaning activity. One day could be mopping the floors. The next day vacuuming. Dust on the third day. De-clutter on day four. You get the picture. Try not to leave all your cleaning for one day or for the weekend. This will free up your mind and allow you to make room for restful or joyful activities. One thing I have done is hire someone to help me clean and organize when a room or closet becomes too overwhelming for me. It’s worth the money and will free up your mind big time!
8. Meditate 10-15 minutes a day. Set your alarm and sit for your allotted time. Keep your awareness on your breath, lengthening and listening to help clear your mind. As you receive thoughts, move back to your breath. Choose a mantra if you want, but focusing on the breath is easy and soothing.
9. Get into nature. Go to a park, forest, river, lake, stream or any place away from the city. City life is great, but it’s good to get out and connect with nature. It’s so healing. Plan a weekend away or even a local picnic day. Take a book or take pictures!
10. Plan some fun outings. Look at your local calendar of events and see what’s happening. Perhaps you want to see a holiday show or check out some new bands in town. Girls night out with happy hour and appetizers is always fun. An alternative would be to plan a wine tasting party or a pot luck with your friends. Conversation and laughter is such a great healer. Make your holiday season fun with the people you enjoy the most.
I always recommend using essential oils during the holidays. Diffuse them into the air to make your house smell great and assist your mind in releasing any anxiety. Add some to your unscented lotion to create a unique aroma and natural perfume. Add to your holiday food such as Peppermint or Cinnamon in your brownies.
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