Banish Holiday Stress in A Snap!

Is Holiday stress creeping up on you? If so, know that you are not alone! Do you know what it is about the holiday season that makes you crazy? It might be helpful to identify the specific cause(s) because then you can more accurately target your nemesis. Is it the incessant playing of the same 10 Christmas Songs over and over beginning on Thanksgiving? Is it the commercialization of what initially was a sacred day? Buy this, buy that and garish red and green decorations everywhere you look? Spoiled children and unaware adults thinking it's all about receiving and therein missing the whole heart of the holiday? Is it the fear that you will have no one to spend the holiday with or the antitheses of that, that you will be spending the holiday with too many people? Perhaps family, friends that you don't have much in common with and/or who push your buttons? Worried about not having enough money to buy 'good' gifts? Argh & blah.
Take control I say. Here's how.

#1. Just Say No

Say 'no' to invitations you are not thrilled to accept. Yes, people will be pissed and think you are weird but it is your sanity at stake so it's worth disappointing people. If you feel really badly about denying them your presence you can send a gift basket of some sort wishing them a glorious time at their party, etc.

#2. Plan a Special Treat

Whether you'll be spending the holiday alone or with others, make sure to have at least one thing planned for that day that you will look forward to. A massage? A sweet desert? A meeting with a friend? A bubble bath?

#3. Take One Hour a Day

Book some 'me time' each and every day during this stressful month. You must actually put it into your calendar and let nothing derail you from taking it. Plan to spend it doing something that brings you joy and/or calm. Some ideas: read, cook, draw/paint, make music, learn something new: a language, an instrument, woodworking, etc., walk, workout, see a movie. I could go on and on because the list is limited only by your imagination. Just one hour a day. Do it!

#4. Be in Silence

I have in mind you sitting in meditation, chanting and reaching nirvana but I know that is a pipe dream. My earthy, practical nature tells me something a bit less spiritual will have to do. Here it is: Turn off the TV, the phone, the radio, the computer! I know it is scary but it is amazing how healing this is. Try it for a couple of hours when you get home from work and see how it feels. Do this for at least a couple of days for the effects to kick in. Give your body & mind a break from constant bombardment of 'noise' most of which is negative.

#5. Move

Not from your home. Move your body! Ideally work yourself up to the point of sweating to release toxins caused by stress. If you belong to a gym schedule at least one day/week to take a class or work out for an hour. If you don't belong to a gym then take a walk, a bike ride, snow shoe, do an exercise class on your TV/computer. I like Cody. They offer paid programs but also some free classes too. Here's their free schedule for this month.
Try 1 or all 5 of these stress busters and poof you'll be good as new! For those wanting more ideas for calm you will find some here and for those of you living near me you can also grab a Reiki Session ###/strongSound Healing Meditation with Tibetan Bowls. And no matter what you're doing, always breathe in deeply and exhale completely. Ahhh. Just doing that made me relax. Try it!

Love, Lisa

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Lisa Hassett, Reiki Therapist, Life Coach, CYT
Healing For Body, Mind & Spirit

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