Posted on December 4, 2013 by admin
It has started. The Thanksgiving Day Parade has passed on by and the days until Christmas are ticking down….quickly. When you first catch a glimpse of the red and green sea of merchandise, what goes through your head? For many, it is not a child-like glee at the approaching holidays. Instead, we find thoughts of what needs to be done dancing in our heads.
You can make a choice now about self-care and lessening your stress during the holidays. The following are a few tips for achieving the goal of feeling more balanced during this hectic time of year.
1. Back to Basics
What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Christmas? Take a moment to write it down. What would make each of these days meaningful to you? (Examples may include giving hand crafted gifts or cards, volunteering, attending a holiday concert or particular church service, going to a tree farm to cut down your own tree, putting up ornaments that have been passed down through generations, etc) The first step in achieving a goal is defining it!
2. Worthiness
Make the decision that you are worthy of sticking to your defined goal. Many of us are caretakers and put our own needs toward the bottom of our list. When we value and take care of ourselves, we are healthier and have more to share with others. Communicate your goals with your loved ones and ask for their help with sticking to them!
3. Let Go
Be willing to prioritize your task list and limit yourself to having reasonable goals. Perhaps time catching up with an old friend or taking a nap would be more fulfilling than making that extra batch of cookies. At the end of the day, focus on the things you’ve accomplished, rather than what you have yet to do.
4. Self-care
While the term sounds like it means decadent pampering, in this case it refers to basics for functioning at our healthiest.
*Get enough sleep. Most people need 7-9 hours every night. If you are struggling with sleep, get some help. Hypnosis is an excellent tool for improving sleep. I have an excellent article on sleep on my website www.cherylscompass.com.
*Make wise choices about nutrition.
Be mindful of food choices and plan meals.
Eat a healthy breakfast every day.
Set a goal for increasing your water intake or fruits and vegetables
You can still enjoy Aunt Betty’s famous cookies but having a focus of eating to treat your body well can make a
significant positive impact.
*Get social support
Make time for friends and family! Be around people who brighten your day.
*Express your needs rather than expecting others to read your mind
5. Exercise
Helps decrease stress and muscle tension, increase energy and improve mood.
See # 2 above.
Wishing you Happy, Healthy Holidays!
Cheryl DeDecker, Compass Coaching and Hypnosis
607-287-7907