While holiday season can fuel stress like no other - there are a few ways to help you keep your cool this week and into 2021!
Start with gratitude, positivity and clear objections for your day.
By creating a daily schedule that includes gratitude and compassion for yourself, you will seamlessly create boundaries that protect you from depleting your energy. Listen to your body. If you need time to yourself, you must take it. Add in buffer time to your schedule that allows flexibility with your availability. You are not obligated to be on zoom calls, or remote holiday gatherings just because others are doing it. Online fatigue is real and you don't need to justify taking time offline.
Plan your diet for the week and go to the store early in advance for recipe ingredients to avoid the holiday rush and begin prepping meals. Schedule your workouts too if you plan to overindulge (and know this may leave you feeling sluggish or depleted). You can also plan your outfits in advance so you can festively show off your style without breaking the bank this year or keep it low key and start a new tradition!
Be mindful, the holidays heighten the energy and aren't always pleasant for everyone. Add in a "grieving" window each day so you're not overwhelmed with emotion.
Understand that others may be triggered or emotions are heightened during the holidays. This year has brought an onslaught of fear, change, upheaval, death, rebirth and change to routines, family dynamics, health, stress levels and the ability to work with others in and out of the home. We have all felt the shift and change in one form or the other.
Similar to how a daily briefing would start your day so you tackle the most important items on your to-do-list, it is important to build in a daily "griefing" period where you quietly reflect on your day, feelings and use this time to consciously process emotions so you can regulate your mood. Once you are routinely in the habit of this as part of your everyday practice, you can move through any new pain, resentments or memories easier and not dwell in the pain.
While everyone has their own healing process, trauma, triggers and emotional processing methods, this can help alleviate stress and anxiety and keep your nervous system calm. This awareness allows us to consciously move through any possible disappointments, pain, and sorrow.
The sooner we acknowledge and become aware of what may be bothering us, the sooner we can take action to alleviate the discomfort.
Hopefully the holidays won't be too much doom, gloom or zoom! see what I did there... but always build in fun inspiration downtime to get your creative juices flowing. We've been in a digital world for quite some time now, but we don't need to lose our mindfulness and be "on" all the time.
To recap:
- Start with an attitude of gratitude each morning and reflect on the positive areas of your life and what you are thankful for
- Plan your food and outfits in advance so they do not take up your time during the busy holiday week
- Remember to hydrate, stretch and keep your body moving
- Designate a 15 minute daily grieving process where you recognize any emotionally triggering items or grievances that you experienced during the day
- Add in one hour of offline inspiration fun time
Once this is part of your daily routine, you can also add in more inspiration hours each weekend and use this time to also acknowledge your accomplishments and great moments of the week.
Often times we don't realize how much we actually do and without recognition, life can feel monotonous at times and make us feel sluggish. It's vital we have these simple yet effective routines in place to make us feel grounded, fulfilled, renewed and motivated.
Here is a little mantra for you to stay aligned with your energy ~
When I set boundaries for my time, space and energy - I feel more energized and fulfilled and this allows me to be present and focused for myself and those around me. If we do not serve ourselves, we become depleted. Whether connecting virtually with colleagues or acquaintances or in person with family or friends, be respectful, kind, and transparent. Creating boundaries will help me be present and connected.
I hope you've enjoyed these holiday tips.
Have a healthy, happy and safe holiday season.