MINDFULLNESS AND LESS HOLIDAY STRESS
If you are like me, I have a to do list that seems to never end and is a mile long. It is daunting to look at of all the things I “need” to do over the next few weeks. Between getting Christmas cards sent out, to decorating the house and tree, to shopping for gifts, from buying for our Salvation Army angels, to baking cookies with the kids, decorating gingerbread houses, holiday parties the list could go on and on. So about a week ago I decided I’m not going to let myself get crazy this year. I’m going to be deliberate and enjoy this holiday season. I’m going to take time and do what I really want to do and not feel like I have to do everything we are invited to or asked to do or stressing out about gifts and such.
I’m making a choice to be mindful of the season. Enjoying the lights and decorations knowing all the hard work that someone put in to putting them up. Taking delight, in spending time baking cookies with my children and doing other fun Christmas activities. Making mindful choices with the food I put in my body so that I can feel my best and enjoy this time with friends and family. Making decisions I can feel good about so I don’t feel guilty about the junk I have consumed as well as feel tired and run down. This is not to say I won’t indulge in some Christmas treats I’m just not going to go overboard. I know moderation is the key to enjoying the holidays and avoiding the guilt. Mindfulness is really about paying attention to what you are doing in that moment. Not getting caught up in what is happening tomorrow or next week or on Christmas morning or all the “stuff” that needs to get done. The most important thing we can do during this busy time is to enjoy the gifts of being present right now with what’s in front of you whether that’s family and friends, eating or exercising or spending some time alone to refresh and recharge.
Here are a few tips to get the most out of your holidays.
- Look for the JOY and happiness in whatever you are doing. If it’s not fun ask yourself, why am I doing this?
- Be present in the moment. There is a reason it’s called the present because it’s a GIFT!
- Make a list of what you would like to accomplish and put what’s most important at the top of the list. Once it’s done cross it off. If you don’t get to it today add it to tomorrow’s list.
- Take time to plan ahead for things so that you know you have time for everything.
- Everything in moderation, sweets, alcohol, and other yummy goodies. You can have them just try not to overindulge and balance with a healthy diet and exercise.
- It’s ok to say NO. If you are feeling run down and tired it’s ok to not to do something or go somewhere. Listen to your body and if it needs rest and some quiet time then honor that.
Lastly, I know that my daily meditation practice is a must for me to start my day and know I have connected to the amazing guidance of God. To know I’m constantly being guided and have brought in a sense of peace to my life (in the mist of all the holiday craziness) even if it’s only for 5-10 minutes. This is an anchor to my day. My clients can’t believe how such a simple thing like meditation can make such miraculous shifts in your life but it really does. So take a few minutes to really get quiet and still and listen. If you would like to know more about mediation and mindfulness I would love to talk to you!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Merry Christmas and more!!
Love and Light
Valerie
