So … apparently the holidays are approaching. The red cups have appeared at Starbucks, Christmas carols are playing in the stores, and our very own Sarah has been inspiring us with all her gorgeous holiday decor. Don't get me wrong - I love Christmas, the spirit of the season, and the family festivities that go along with it. BUT…there’s always a part of me that wonders… (insert dream bubble here) wouldn’t it be nice to disappear on December 15th to, say, a deserted island, and come back on January 1st?
While the holidays can bring wonderful opportunities to celebrate, reconnect, and enjoy time with friends and family, the holidays somehow also seem to bring over-scheduling, over-eating, dashed expectations, emotional strain, and a whole whack of other tensions and stresses.
If we’re not conscious about keeping perspective, and bringing awareness to our interactions and our activities, we can burn out, blow up or end the season packing up resentments along with our Christmas lights (see you next year!). Probably not always the best way to welcome the New Year.
So how can we keep our sanity, enjoy ourselves and show our kids what the holidays are truly meant to be about?
One way to stave off the stress is to take care of yourself so that you can be in the best spirit to those around you.
I know, I know, you’re saying, “I don’t even have time to order a turkey (note to self: order turkey), let alone get some down-time."
But never fear. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve. This is the first in a series of blogs with two-minute tips for keeping your zen during the holidays. And there should be no excuses because you can ALWAYS find two minutes.
Example: the carols are blaring, the decorations are a tangled mess, the kids are fighting over whose home-made ornament is best, and your husband asks what presents you've picked up for his family (uhm, that was my job?). You say, “Excuse me, family dearest, I just need to go to the bathroom.”
And take a listen to this:
Just Breathe (when the pop-up box appears, click Open)
Doesn’t that feel just a little bit better? Stay tuned for more two-minute tips!
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