The Holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a great deal of stress for many people. Between the family obligations, expenses and larger work load, it's no wonder the stress level is high.
One very important tip: Take care of you first. See to it that you are getting enough rest, food and water. Be sure to create time every day for an activity that brings peace to you. It could be exercising, reading, taking a nap, anything that signals a break from the frantic pace of your schedule. Meditation is also a very useful way to reduce your stress level, it can be as simple as sitting quietly for 5 minutes and visualising beautiful flowers or vista's like a gorgeous sunset or waves lapping on the beach.
As a meditation teacher, I know first hand how helpful meditation can be in reducing stress on an everyday level and it is especially useful during more stressful times.
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I recommend to my students, 10 minutes of meditation every morning and 10 minutes each night before bed. By following this practice, one can find inner calm and quiet the mind.
Tip:
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Be realistic about how much you can take on. If the holidays have become a chore for you, find a creative way to lessen your load. First off, avoid over booking your schedule. Perhaps celebrating with friends and family is too much for you. Pare it down to a manageable level.
Shop ahead, or online to avoid last minute stress. If you cook at home, consider dining out instead, or picking up a prepared holiday meal.
Tip:
Ask for help. It's OK to enlist help from family members and friends. Sharing the experience can be fun. If you find yourself alone in the grocery store and in the kitchen year after year, change it up. If no help arrives, order out. There are many delicious prepared complete holiday meals.
Tip:
Don't feel obligated! It seems there is so much guilt and obligation at this time of year. Participate in the celebration in a way that is uplifting for you. Perhaps this is the year to take a trip and get away from it all! Perhaps it's time to let someone else host the meal. Start a new tradition!
Tip: Back to basics.
Keep it simple. Plan ahead. Be gentle with yourself. It is OK to say no!
Be grateful. Give back.
Chris Beals teaches meditation in Pleasant Hill.
