Can you believe the holidays are upon us? Wow.. this year flew by. Increased traffic, crowds, less exercise, overeating, and even family drama can lead to added stress that we may be unprepared to handle.
Whatever you’re struggling with, the unnecessary pressure this time of year can amplify what is happening in your life. I want to offer you four tips to make this year EXTRA-ORDINARY!
1-Embrace Stillness.
Take some extra time to yourself before you start your day and when you end it. Breathe deeply and contemplate all the fabulousness in your life. Offer thanks for your expanding bank accounts (whether they are OR not in the present moment), family, friends, health, and more! Thanks to a couple of my coaches, every morning, I say to myself, “I LOVE my LIFE, and I wonder how much better this can get?” It sets the stage for a fantastic DAY!
2-Savor some M&M’s.
Not exactly the yummy chocolate candy, but Mindfulness and Meditation. Whatever you are doing—eating, driving, meditating, yoga, writing, singing–bring in all five senses into focus. Now, you’re being MINDFUL. Also, take a few minutes to meditate. Guided meditates on Youtube are perfect for beginners, or the Headspace App if you’re on the go. For me, prayer is when I’m doing all the talking/asking, and meditating is when I finally get quiet enough to hear my next steps. Don’t be afraid of being mindful and meditating. Try it and see how your stress level declines and things start falling into place.
3-Let’s Get Physical.
Take a walk, ride a bike, or anything to get your body moving. You may have heard the saying, “What we don’t use, we lose.” So true. Taking care of our physical temples is our job. No one else can do this for us. Being responsible for the beautiful masterpiece that you are is an honor, not drudgery. Bonus points if you walk outside in nature too!????☃️ Nature absorbs emotions. So, if you’re feeling overloaded emotionally, walk outdoors, even for 15 minutes.
4-Make Sleep a Priority.
Shut off the electronics early in the evening and allow time for your mind and body to calm before climbing into bed. Sipping on a hot cup of decaf tea earlier in the evening will also help put your body in a restful spot for a deep night’s sleep. Without sleep, our bodies can’t rejuvenate for optimal health and aging.
I invite you to make this year a different year. A year in which you prioritize yourself, set important boundaries, release that extra stress, and ENJOY the season with loved ones.