Wild, crazy, busy, stressful, overwhelming – there are so many
negative words that we use to describe the holiday season! But let’s be real,
it’s all for good reason. Here are some practices for keeping things calm and
collected during stressful times, which I think are especially helpful when
guests are in the house, shopping lists are long, and holiday travel is
imminent. Here are six ways to slow down and really enjoy the holiday season – take them to heart!
1. Meditate! Meditation, prayer, or just setting aside some quiet time.
This works differently for everyone, and there are so many ways you can use
that time to focus and unwind. It is good to start your day this way so you can
feel rejuvenated and balanced when your busy day begins. There are also apps
you can use to help you with meditation. Headspace is a popular App for quick 10-minute
meditations.
2. Schedule a group exercise activity. Spending a whole day lazing in the living room
with your in-laws can drive anyone up the wall; many find that getting a good
workout is an instant, foolproof way to get moods back in order. You can book time
at local tennis courts and ice rinks with your family, so you can get all
of the cousins (and adults!) out and moving around. Yoga class, long walks,
spin class or even something fun like Zumba could also work.
3. Take an aromatherapy bath. It’s tough to find time to actually do this
when you have four guests sharing the same bathroom and people to entertain
downstairs. But even if you have to do it after everyone has gone to sleep –
or, before they’ve waken up – spending fifteen minutes soaking in hot water and
essential oils can work wonders for your nerves, mood and spirit. A favorite
de-stress essential oil blend is the following: 2 drops
lavender, 1 drop neroli, and 2 drop geranium essential oils.
4. Holiday shopping should happen online. It’s true; there’s something so fun and
magical about spending a day out and about looking at the holiday decorations
in the stores – many particularly adore the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman
– but shopping online is a major time saver.
5. Do just one thing at once. We have a tendency to glorify multitasking,
but in the holiday season try slowing down and focusing on one task at a time –
and really getting into it, not letting yourself become distracted or worried
by other things – makes every task so much more enjoyable. Put on some holiday
music and put your heart into your tasks of wrapping gifts, decorating the
house, or cooking your holiday meal.
6. Practice gratitude. It’s easy to lose sight of gratitude
during the busy holidays, but it’s what will help center you and make you feel
a little stressed. Even if it’s just in between thoughts, think about how
grateful you are for your family, health, home, the food on the table, the
clothes in your closet, and your teeth
(so you can eat all the holiday goodies) you get into this frame of
mind, life feels full. (PS – check out this recent New York Times piece on the emotional effects of gratitude. It’s powerful!)
We hope some of these
ideas make it into your holiday season. I know, they’re easier said than done,
but a little bit of intention can go a long way!
Give
yourself the gift of good oral health this year. Check out our $99 new client
special at http://5townsdentistry.com.
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