Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #22 – Expect the Unexpected

While the holiday season is generally a time of traditions and routines, there’s still room for unexpected things to pop up. Out of town guests, stores sold out of what you were wanting to buy that someone special, etc. The holiday season, just like life, is filled with opportunities for us to practice the art of expecting the unexpected. Sure we cannot plan for it or know how to respond until whatever unexpected thing comes along. But we can be open to dealing with whatever situation does come our way. And that doesn’t require much more than a decision.

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #21 – Embrace the Sounds of the Season

There’s no lack of sounds we associate with the holidays. Everything from bells and a crackling fire to holiday music. Some sounds may bring up some fond memories of the past, while others bring up painful ones. Take some time to reflect on the sounds that bring about good memories, thoughts, and feelings. Then surround yourself with those sounds this holiday season. You might even make some sounds of your own.

Photo: Singing Christmas tree © by zhov

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #20 – Just Breathe

Did you know that when we get stressed, we tend to hold our breath? Have you ever noticed that? Make a point to tune into your breath regularly during this time of year…when you’re waiting in lines buying those holiday gifts, when you’re searching for parking spots at the mall, or when you’re stuck in traffic. Here’s some tips:

• Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth three times.
• Then, breathe in and hold it for two seconds.
• Then, breathe out and hold it for two seconds.

For another great breathing meditation that you can download and listen to anywhere, just enter your name and email in the box at the top right of the page and get instant access to this wonderful FREE resource.

Photo: Breathe © by shawnzrossi

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #19 – Give the “Grinch” a Time-Out

If the words “you’re a mean one” come at you this holiday season, it might be time to take a time-out. It’s true. Even the nicest and calmest of us can get a little grumpy during the holidays. But instead of giving into your inner Grinch, give yourself a break instead. Taking time away from a stressful situation can give you some clarity and let you choose your words and actions with a clear head. And maybe give your heart a chance to grow back to its normal, loving size.

Photo: Ice! – Grinch & Max 2 © by greyloch

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #18 – Take Stock in Your “Stuff”

Now is the perfect time of year to stop, take a moment, and take stock of all that you have. Sure, some of that might be material possessions (like a house, car, and other “stuff”), but also think of the non-tangible “stuff” you have, like relationships, your health, your attitude, your sense of humor, etc. It’s easy to focus on the negative or what we don’t have. But it’s so much more productive (and stress relieving) to think of all that we have to be grateful for. Make a list of your gratitudes…often. And review it whenever you start to feel overwhelmed by the stresses of the season.

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #17 – Let Go of the Ghosts of Holidays Past

We’re bound to have memories of some disappointing holidays. Someone said or did something (or didn’t say or do something) the way we wanted. We didn’t get what we asked for. Plans got changed, rearranged, or cancelled. Life (like the holidays) rarely goes exactly as we hope.

But just because the past didn’t measure up to our expectations doesn’t mean we should stop hoping. When we hold on to the disappointments of the past, we don’t have room for the wonderful memories being made now. So make a point of saying goodbye to those old ghosts (disappointments) and make a commitment to letting the joy of the season shine through.

Photo: christmas lights (ii) © by {eclaire}