Proven Stress Busters During the Holidays!
Does your stomach clench when you think about the holidays? Stressed? Are you worried about getting into arguments, not meeting the expectations of others, not choosing the right gifts? The American Psychological Association says that anxiety increases during the holidays. Although the holidays should be a fun time, they bring a lot of stress and sometimes get us down, which weakens our relationships.
Wondering why this season brings stress and heartache instead of a glow of excitement?
Think about how most of us prepare. We spend too much energy and money on gifts and meals, argue over misunderstandings, and pack “fun” events into every minute, every day, every night. No wonder it’s not fun anymore!
Look inside the word “vacation”. It means “holy day,” but holy days should be about building stronger relationships, sharing, and loving. Many times, they end up being a nuisance.
All those flashy ads: the best gifts, the best prices, the best deals! It’s about body and mind, not the soul-to-soul connections we need most now. “The hype and commercialism of the season lead to increased stress,” says a recent psychological report. Holy days should be about strengthening relationships, sharing and loving.
Sure, there are problems: the cousin who hosts everyone, later gets upset because no one invites her back. Friends who share nasty gossip. The relative who drinks too much and fights, leaving everyone wondering if they should bother coming next year.
Why bother?
If that’s how you feel, just adjust your own perspective. Make this season different so that you can finally enjoy yourself and even have fun! Enjoy it like a kid again, with all the blessings of family and love.
Make the holidays a time of soul-to-soul connection. Meet others with no expectations (“I picked her a great gift and all she got me was this cheesy gift card!”) and the holidays will exceed your dreams. Open your heart and exchange the gifts of love, sharing and caring with these nine easy tips to renew your holiday spirit today!
1. Find out who needs help. If you are comfortable and well fed, visit the elderly, visit hospitals, or deliver socks to the homeless. Don’t forget your cousin in the army, or that neighbor down the street who lost his wife last year!
2. Reconnect with friends. Think of someone you haven’t seen in a long time and have tea together. If you live too far away, Skype them up and say hi.
3. Avoid hot topics. Try not to bring up sensitive topics… keep it light and fun.
4. Remember the children. Many organizations organize visits from Santa Claus, plays or concerts to make Christmas in the hospital a happy time for children.
5. Plan an excursion. Buy treats that your own children can give to a nursing home or to adults with disabilities. Tell them that people who seem different deserve wonderful vacations too.
6. Discover your own style. Just because her sister-in-law hosts a fancy New Years buffet brunch doesn’t mean it’s her thing. No IMITATING what works for others! Your style may be a shared lunch instead. Just make it yours!
7. Take care and relax. Her body will not thank you for the rich indulgent party food. Too rushed to cook and eat properly? Find simple foods that are easy to prepare and that really nourish your spirit. Go for a walk, practice yoga if you feel like it. Sit quietly and relax, without distractions: put away your phone, mp3 player, remote control, notepad…
8. Make that call. There’s a person out there you feel like you can’t call. She maybe she lost contact because her husband was sick. She maybe she’s fighting with a friend of yours and you didn’t want to take sides. Fix those fences and you’ll heal yourself too.
9. Do your best, then let it go. Despite your best intentions, life will throw you a curveball. Unexpected health surprise? Cash crunch? Don’t let them undermine all the work you’ve done. Take a deep breath, refocus, and keep trying.
Finally, a word about forgiveness. Hearts are tender at this time of year; we are ready, willing and able to forgive. Forgive yourself first, and let go of grudges. Apologize to others. What an amazing gift: “I think I hurt your feelings; I’m sorry.” Only a grinch would say no to the chance to reconnect on a soul-to-soul level.
Always thank God for the blessings before you, release your burdens, and offer the world the gift of your renewed spirit, with love, laughter, and lightness to last through 2014 and beyond. Let us pray together for this upcoming festive season:
Let’s go beyond ourselves.
Let’s bring light to the world
Being light in the world.
Let us serve others with joy
let us approach with joy
surrender expectations
And I feel only wonder
surround us with love
Spreading love in the world.
changing only us
We can change the world.
“Love and Light for All”
