Planning ahead for the holidays early this year will lower your stress level.
First, slowing down during the holidays will guarantee you’ll enjoy them more.
Are you taking time to think about the holidays and what they mean to you?
For instance, to me it means spending quality time with family and friends. It’s not just about the actual day of the holiday, it’s about what I talk about in almost every blog I write, appreciation. Appreciating all your moments.
When you set up different times to see people you love and care about before and after the holidays, you perhaps won’t feel as stressed.
Basically, as you stop and not get caught up in the stresses that people do during the holidays, you’re much more able to enjoy your present moments, aren’t you?
So, how do you do this? What can you do to avoid stress during the holidays?
And instead, enjoy what’s going on around you?
I say it all starts with tuning in to yourself and knowing what you need and want, and then, honoring that.
Stop and think about this holiday season and what it means to you and what you want to create.
Be prepared. Don’t wait until the last minute to get things done. Ask for help where you may need it. This works well throughout the year too.
For instance, my sisters begin very early buying gifts for those on their lists. I believe they have even started with buying items on sale, several months ahead!
It’s no one’s responsibility but your own to take care of you and do what you need to do. Guard your thoughts and who you are spending time around.
Set your intentions for each activity and how you want it to feel and turn out. See it all in your mind’s eye before you even step foot outside your door.
Take deep breaths and calm your mind and thoughts and picture how you want it all to be.
Play music you love. Whether it’s the traditional music people play during the holidays or upbeat music you can sing and dance to.
Hence, take time for you!
This is all a part of honoring you. If there are activities that you need to keep off your list this year, honor that.
Only if you choose to go somewhere that has created stress inside of you in the past, take time to do some work around that well before the event takes place.
It’s up to you what your present moments are. You are a creator of your own existence every day.
As I’ve said before, it begins with awareness and slowing down and tuning in to what you’re thinking and in turn feeling.
Because I fly to Ohio to stay with my dad, I plan early, buying my flights for both Thanksgiving and Christmas in the spring.
Since traveling for the holidays, requires thoughts about packing, gifts, what you will contribute to dinners etc. I don’t wait until the last minute to make decisions with my family.
It does get noisy and loud with my family, and I know how to handle this if it gets too much for my senses. One way to stay more relaxed and peaceful, is to meditate for even a short time, away from everyone.
Finally, as you stop and think about this holiday season and what it means to you, give yourself the love and appreciation you need.
Know you will be able to give more to others you meet, when you do.
With much love and appreciation as you enjoy your holidays,
Connie
PS. Here are more tips to help with stress during the holiday season:
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