Happy Holidays!

Can you believe that the Winter Holidays are already here?! There’s something about the holiday season that is so beautiful, so filled with joy and songs and family.  Which is amazing and wonderful, but there’s also a whole bunch of messy added stress.  Extra stress from holiday parties, trips to the store, buying gifts…family visits…it all adds up.  At least for me it does!

So how do we try to stay sane this holiday season?

1. Make a commitment to you: 

What is something you do that you love, that brings you happiness?  Do you like to read a good book, do yoga, take a bath, go for a walk, cook with your favorite tunes on? Write down a list of a few things you love to do just for you and make a promise to yourself that you will make time every day even if it’s just for a few minutes to take time for you.

2. Be Realistic: 

The holidays are wonderful…and stressful.  Period.  It’s not the same as going to the Spa for a massage. Stop thinking that they should be a way other than they are. Recognize that this is how it is and use that energy that you were spending on wondering why this season is chaotic and instead put it into spending time taking care of you.

3. Stay Present: 

Family driving you crazy?  Taking a few deep breaths might be exactly what you need to find a reset button.  First, find an anchor in the house to remind you to breath.  Maybe it’s every time you notice the star at the top of your Christmas Tree you take three deep breaths.  Or anytime you turn on the oven to cook that yummy meal, take a breath!

4. Plan for Hugs:

 What is your plan for if you get way overwhelmed?  Like kids bouncing off the walls, dinner burning with 15 guests coming over in 5 minutes…. Listen people, this may happen.  You might need a hug, or 2…or 10.   Give yourself permission to ask or lots of love this holiday season.  If you know that a holiday dinner is probably going to be stressful, tell your partner or friend that you need hugs every half hour to get through it!  Sending you virtual holiday hug right now 🙂

5. Find Time to Meditate:

Daily mindfulness meditation decreases stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and regulates the mind for peace and clarity. Commit to a daily practice of just 10 minutes. Check out this Hamsa Meditation for inspiration!