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}

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #16 – Plan Ahead

There’s a saying that goes…”those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” While that may be a bit harsh and simplistic, there is some truth to it. From those holiday meals, to gift giving, to all those social events, there’s not a lack of opportunity to plan ahead. And planning can help take some stress off your plate. Here’s some ideas for how to best plan ahead this holiday season:

• Group your errands by location so that you only have to go to the other side of town (or the mall) once.
• Write out your grocery list by aisle, so you don’t have to skim a list of haphazardly written down items and miss something.
• Tell friends and family that in order to attend all the events you want to this season, you can only stay for a set amount of time at their event.

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #15 – Declare a Worry-Free Holiday

Okay, this one might be easier said than done. But think about how much worrying about the holidays affects you. From your attitude, to your health and well-being. We tend to worry about things that haven’t happened yet (and likely won’t ever happen) and about things out of our control (like what others are going to do, say, or think).

But all that worrying takes a toll, not on WHAT or WHO you’re worrying about…but YOU. Worrying excessively can lead to missing out on what’s going on right now because you’re so focused on the future. It can also lead to sore muscles, headaches, and a slew of other physical issues.

So this season, commit yourself to worrying less and enjoying more.

Photo: Denise Over The Holidays – 2005 © by Rob Boudon