How to Skip the Stress and Savor the Season

Over the years, I've begun developing strategies to help manage the overwhelm and not let the stress get to me. So, in the spirit of holiday giving, I'd like to share a few with you.
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Stressed woman shopping for gifts of christmas with red santa hat looking angry and distressed
Stressed woman shopping for gifts of christmas with red santa hat looking angry and distressed

If stress were on a cyclical 12 month calendar, it'd be peaking these next couple of weeks.

Last minute shopping and gift-giving.
Long lines and budget worries.
Holiday parties and dinners with people who will say anything.
Food temptations at every turn.
Crowded airports and weather delays.

Stress is inevitable.

But there is hope!

Over the years, I've begun developing strategies to help manage the overwhelm and not let the stress get to me. So, in the spirit of holiday giving, I'd like to share a few with you.

Optimize Time

When there's added commitments of holiday parties, work deadlines before travel, plus gift shopping to do, somehow spare time seems to plummet to 0. That's when it becomes necessary to optimize time and sneak in a workout, a phone call, and other to-dos and obligations in the in-between times.

You know what I mean: you have 10 minutes until dinner, instead of wasting that time browsing Facebook, use that time to pay a couple of bills, call a relative you won't see over the holidays, or do a few squats, push-ups, and burpees.

As an example, waiting for the car to be serviced gave me the opportunity to outline this post. Walking to airport baggage claim I called to restore online account access.

Using the in-between moments to get things done allows you to then be more fully present with friends and loved ones. To feel confident in what you've accomplished. To be calm and at ease.

Find The Quiet (or Joyful) Moments

During these busy times, the thinking mind frequently feels like it's on overdrive. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity to settle the mind and discover a brief moment of quiet, alone time, or freedom from stressful thoughts. Likewise, there's a chance to find joy, happiness, pleasure in all the hustle of the holidays.

Seeking out and savouring the meditative or joyful moments help to create positive cycles in the brain that reduce the effects of stress. They also help you feel happier, more grounded, centred, at-home in your body, and connected with the people around you.

Breathe it all in. Savor the pleasurable moments.

Feel Gratitude

Finally, rather than focusing on any lack you may be feeling in your life (money, health issues, relationship status, or whatever), celebrate what you do have. Be grateful for what's in your life now. Let the feelings of gratitude well up, and feel them deeply, fully in your body.

My preference is to write in a gratitude journal nightly. When I want to take it next to the next level, I place my hands over my heart and repeat a few of the things I'm most grateful for. It completely transforms my attitude, energy, and outlook.

Celebrating all the abundance around you is a surefire way to beat stress, attract what serves your highest good, and share love.

Whether you gather a couple of ideas from here, or have your own means to manage stress, celebrate this holiday season with grace and ease, joy, peace, and health!

"You have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now."~ Wayne Dyer ~

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