Last week it hit me. Christmas is in less than TWO weeks! I admit, a little panic set in. And now Christmas is less than 1 week away. Quite honestly, it ticked me off to feel stressed because I want to enjoy the holidays. I happen to love this time of year ?
Shopping, wrapping, decorating, entertaining, cooking, baking, attending parties… There is just so much to do on top of everything else we do on a daily basis, isn’t there?!
What keeps me sane when I feel out of control during the holidays (and all the other hectic times that come up)? Living in the present.
Yep, it’s that simple. Although, it’s really not so easy. You have to be mindful to live in the present and that requires some work because it’s so easy to let your mind future trip and worry.
So, how’s it done? I have a quick little exercise that will do the trick.
Stress is the root cause of a lot of illness and premature aging so managing it is vital for our health. We’ve all heard that meditation is one of the best stress and anxiety relievers but I’m sure the last thing you want me to recommend at the moment is to get your om on for 45 quiet minutes every morning.
Of course that would be great and if you can, go for it but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself a mindful minute. This will help center you, bring you to the present and live in the moment.
Take just 60 seconds to focus on your breath. Inhale for 8 counts, hold for a second, exhale for 8 counts and you will feel yourself start to calm. It’s quick and easy but it works wonders. Place your hand on your stomach to make sure that as you inhale, it contracts and as you exhale, it expands.
Tuning into our breath isn’t our first thought when we get pushed to our limits but try it any time you feel scattered, irritable, worried, anxious, pissed off, stress, overwhelmed or any other unfavorable feeling.
During my inhales and exhales I focus my thoughts on a few things that I’m grateful for because gratitude is the highway to peace and happiness.
You deserve a little self care and with the pressures of the season it’s especially important. Self-care is the new trend but it isn’t just a buzzword, it truly is important.
Remember that you can’t please everyone and you may not get everything done. Be gentle with yourself, let some things go and enjoy the spirit of the season ❤️
As crazy as it can get, I LOVE the holidays and all the glitzy, sparkly, glamour that goes with it. The parties, the beautifully decorated homes, time with friends and family and the true spiritual meaning of the season that we celebrate, whatever our beliefs.
I don’t want a frantic energy to round out 2017 and I’m sure you don’t either. So give it shot, next time you feel the stress begin to rise give yourself a mindful minute and be present.
Enjoy the holidays!
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