I had a massage today! I felt my stress and anxiety over the holiday routines evaporate. As I walked out of the SPA where I go for respite, my thoughts automatically turned to, “Is there anything I should buy at the store?” “There’s only 12 days until Christmas Eve. What do I have to get done?” If you celebrated Hanukkah you are well aware that your holiday is complete. How’s your stress and exhaustion level? No matter where you are in the holiday cycle, take intermittent rests.
What does a “rest” look like? I can offer some ideas but as you read them put your critical mind in abeyance – that’s the mind that tells you “That idea is stupid,” “You tried that once and hated it,” “You don’t have any time to take a break.” It is this type of thinking that cements you into stress, overwhelm and agitation. It is this type of thinking that glues you to frantic preparations, anxiety, depression, and disappointment.
Here are some ideas about what to do to give yourself some holiday relief: Meet a friend for lunch; walk around the block; take your dog jogging; listen to relaxing music for 15 minutes; get a massage; join a Yoga class; participate in water aerobics; meditate for 15 minutes; ride a horse; go to a pond and admire the ducks. Figure our relaxation practices that you like and make a daily commitment to take care of yourself.
After leaving the SPA and noticing that my thoughts had turned to my holiday responsibilities, I decided to steer my mind to a different subject. I focused on how lovely it will be when I get home and spend 5 restful moments petting my two Ragamuffin kitties, Biscuit and Ted E. Bear. That is exactly what I did! I feel rested. I feel awesome and energized, in fact.
You have the POWER! Make your world what you want it to be!