Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #24 – Enjoy Yourself

Stop. Breathe. And enjoy all that you have created so far this holiday season. So many times, we get caught up in the planning and the doing that we forget to relish in that which we’ve planned and done. Sure it’s a wonderful feeling to watch others enjoy the fruits of our labor, but shouldn’t we enjoy it as well? Today, give yourself permission to enjoy yourself and all that you’ve created.

Photo: Happy Smiles (Nicole & Kati) © by aaronkaiser

Managing Your Stress During the Holidays and Beyond: Tip #23 – Pamper Yourself

It’s so easy to get caught up in doing for others, but when we neglect ourselves in the process, it can do more harm than you think. You might start to buy in to the notion that you are not as important as others, or that others deserve more than you. Bahumbug to that! Let someone else worry for a while and do something special for yourself. Take a long, hot bubble bath, get a massage, get your nails done, or something else that makes you feel special.

Photo: facial massage © by o5com

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