Here they come, ready or not! The holidays are here, and you swore it would all be different this year. Take heart. It’s not too late. With intention, it really can be different this year. First thing to remember - take good care of yourself: Eat healthfully, get plenty of rest, exercise, drink lots of water. Breathe deeply. Relax and have fun.
I wish you, and all those important to you, my best during this season. May you be graced with the warmth of love and peace.
Maripat Abbott, CPCC
Life Coach
Yoga Instructor
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Ten Tips for Holiday Ease
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- Put yourself on your holiday “do” list.Take as much time for yourself as you give to others. Find ways to be quiet and restful. Take a walk, a yoga class, some deep breaths. Rather than spending time baking sugary items, cut up fresh vegetables and fruit to have on hand when faced with temptations. Treat yourself to healthy snacks you don’t normally buy.
- Make decisions only after asking, “Will this add or subtract to my holiday?”You don’t have to accept every invitation, or be the first to volunteer to host an event. If you don’t enjoy sending holiday cards, dare to skip the tradition. Perhaps giving in another way to the folks on your card list will provide more joy to you and the recipient.
- Ask for help.Decorating, wrapping, and coming up with creative ideas are more fun to do together. Ask for support in finishing your projects.
- Plan for the 2010 holiday season.Right now, set up a holiday savings plan for next year. Just think, if you saved $100 a month between now and next December, you’d have $1200 to spend next year.
- Give the gift of YOU.Do something for someone that makes you feel incredible and doesn’t cost much. Write a long letter to a distant relative; deliver a vegetable tray to a health conscious friend; offer to drive someone less fortunate to an event. Or simply listen without an agenda.
- Embrace the law of circulation.If possible, hire someone to clean your house, wrap your presents, or do any task that stresses you. If you hate to cook, order some prepared foods. Now is the time to do it. Give the gift of supporting someone else’s income, while relieving yourself of the stress that is involved in doing things you dread.
- Get curious.Ask your family and friends what most lights them up at the holidays. You may feel obligated to bake your signature cookies, when in fact, they only make the recipients feel lousy! Check in and find out which holiday traditions should stay and which should get the boot.
- Simplify gift giving.Can you get the men on your list one gift, and the women another; or all of your nieces the same item? Can you purchase gift certificates? Can you order all items online?
- Stay Present.Don’t miss the many gifts of your surroundings because you are too busy checking things off your list. Connecting with your breath will help you remain present.
- Honor yourself, even with houseguests. If you enjoy a daily run, time for meditation or an early bedtime, don’t skip it because guests are with you. Stay true to the routines that nourish you, and everyone will be happier.
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