How do you want to feel next year?We have reached the point in the year where all the Christmas prep is done, all the gifts are wrapped and the groceries bought. It is a time of year where you can sit back and appreciate what the last year has brought us before we turn our sights forwards again to the new year. Now, in all brutal honesty, I have never been one to set new years resolutions or intentions. Why set myself up for failure and disappointment when I don’t meet my goals? BUT I am all for the practice of choosing how I want to feel next year … or more specifically, how I want to feel every single day. About a year and a half ago now, I was introduced to this idea in a book called The Desire Map (bless you Jane for the recommendation and Danielle Laport for all of your wonderful inspiring work). As soon as I started reading my copy from the library it struck such a cord with me that I knew I needed to actually get a physical copy of the book. I needed to be able to hold the book in my hands, press it to my heart, and be able to revisit it regularly. It felt like Danielle Laporte was speaking directly to me. The idea is that through a series of exercises you identify your Core Desired Feelings … the feelings that you ultimately want to be the driving force behind all of your choices and actions. Once you have identified the feelings that resonate most you then make a list of intentional actions that answer the question … What do I need to do |
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May you find calm amid the chaos & serenity amid the stress.
de-stress the holidays
Over the last several years, we have really tried to tweak our holiday routine so that it is enjoyable, relaxing, and so that everyone stays healthy through to the new year.
We try to evaluate what worked and what didn’t from the previous holiday as well as how we could make it better for the coming year.
Now I know that Christmas 2020 is going to look very different that it has in the past (and has the potential to be a whole lot more stressful). Which makes planning just that much more important.
In talking to friends and clients I have discovered that I am not the only one who has started planning and preparing, but because we don’t quite know what Christmas will look like pandemic wise we need to tap in to our flexibility and resilience to make the best of the holidays this year.
With 44 days left before Christmas Day, the pressure isn’t on yet but if you can take a few simple steps now I guarantee you will be more relaxed and happier come the big day.
There is absolutely no order to this list, and it is my hope that something in here will help to ease your holiday stress (even just a little bit).
We try to evaluate what worked and what didn’t from the previous holiday as well as how we could make it better for the coming year.
Now I know that Christmas 2020 is going to look very different that it has in the past (and has the potential to be a whole lot more stressful). Which makes planning just that much more important.
In talking to friends and clients I have discovered that I am not the only one who has started planning and preparing, but because we don’t quite know what Christmas will look like pandemic wise we need to tap in to our flexibility and resilience to make the best of the holidays this year.
With 44 days left before Christmas Day, the pressure isn’t on yet but if you can take a few simple steps now I guarantee you will be more relaxed and happier come the big day.
There is absolutely no order to this list, and it is my hope that something in here will help to ease your holiday stress (even just a little bit).
So here we go, 30 ways to take the stress out of your holiday season...
- Reflect on what has worked in the past and what hasn’t ... life is all about learning from the past, so by taking a couple of minutes to evaluate what worked (and what hasn’t) you can change how this year will go.
- Choose a theme and get excited about it ... whether you choose to go crafty, like I have, or simple and elegant, choosing a theme will help you to streamline your holiday gift giving and decorating … less choices always makes things less stressful.
- Create a map of what your holiday season will look like ... on a calendar mark off what social events are happening, what has to be done when, what baking needs to be done, etc. This will allow you to have a clear picture of what the month will look like, and you can come up with a plan for how to get everything done without scrambling.
- Simplify ... either do it, delegate it or dump it! Once you have your map, consider everything (without emotion) and mark as do, delegate, or dump. There are a lot of things we do every holiday season that doesn’t really need to be done, it just adds to the chaos and the stress.
- Set a budget and stick to it ... if you are smart about your shopping (or crafting) no one will know if you spent $20 or $50, it’s not about who bought you the most expensive gift, it’s about gifting something that you think the person will really really love!
- Give in a way that gives you joy as opposed to giving out of obligation ... if you give this way your gifts will be loved guarantee.
- Start now! ... buying or making slowly over the next 44 days will allow you the time to sit back and relax later, without feeling the stress or the chaos of last-minute shopping.
- Make it fun ... if it’s not fun, why do it??
- Be organized ... this is the key to keeping stress to a minimum not only during the holidays but every day.
- Less is more ... you don’t have to put out ALL of your decorations, and you don’t have to go crazy with gifts. Remember that clutter = chaos so keep the clutter under control. Also, keep in mind that if you give someone 10 gifts, will they remember everything? Probably not, but if you give 1 or 2 really meaningful gifts they will defiantly remember.
- Make food ahead of time and freeze it!
- Do a cookie exchange to you don’t have to bake everything ... and as a bonus you will get to try everyone’s favorites.
- Get the kids involved ... seeing Christmas through a child’s eyes brings the magic of the season to light again, and their excitement and enthusiasm is contagious.
- Book time to do something for YOU!
- Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect ... no one will notice that you didn’t get your bedroom clean because they shouldn’t be in there anyways. Don’t sweat the small things.
- Buy or order your Christmas cards now so they are stamped and addressed and ready to mail for Dec 1, rather than starting then. Or you could take an idea from my Great Aunt and do Christmas calls instead of cards and actually talk to the people you don't see regularly.
- Get plenty of rest! ... take a nap when you need, no one likes a grouchy Grinch.
- Go pot luck ... just because you are hosting doesn’t mean that you have to kill yourself preparing all the food.
- Play Christmas carols to get you in the spirit.
- Sit down and enjoy your favorite Christmas movie with the ones you love ... especially nice on a cold snowy day.
- Wrap gifts as you go so you can relax on Dec 24 rather than ending up with a wrapathon.
- Save some of your gatherings until Jan ... it will take the pressure off of your December and give you something to look forward to.
- If you can’t stand the crowds at the mall try shopping online ... as an added bonus most stores will gift wrap and ship right to the recipient which is great if you have family that is spread out. Most local stores now have a feature where you can order online then do curbside pickup ... which saves you time and also allows you to support your local stores.
- Take time to meditate, center yourself and reflect.
- Exercise to bust stress.
- Keep your diet balanced ... cookies for dinner is generally not advised, lol.
- When in doubt, go homemade ... who doesn’t love a pretty box of homemade gingerbread or chocolates ... bonus is that they are easy and inexpensive.
- Spread out your holiday traditions so you have time to enjoy them.
- Get online and get inspired ... there is nothing better than a quick look through pinterest to get you in the holiday spirit and give you tons of ideas too.
- Remember what the season is Really about!
I hope that with these suggestions you will have a happy, relaxing holiday season.
Conscious Simplicity
Conscious Simplicity, is a phrase that I stumbled across recently.
It was one of those moments where the words leap right off the screen and almost smack you.
I immediately wrote them down in my planner, not wanting to forget the phrase, because it just felt that important. One of those moments when the universe is telling you to pay attention.
The more that I looked at those words over the next couple of days, the more clearly I knew that I needed to know more!
So what did I learn?
It was one of those moments where the words leap right off the screen and almost smack you.
I immediately wrote them down in my planner, not wanting to forget the phrase, because it just felt that important. One of those moments when the universe is telling you to pay attention.
The more that I looked at those words over the next couple of days, the more clearly I knew that I needed to know more!
So what did I learn?
"Simplicity is not about deprivation. Simplicity is about greater appreciation for things that really matter."
Conscious Simplicity, is about combining simplicity with the practice of mindfulness; conscious choice rather than autopilot or worse indifference. Choosing all of the people, experiences, and stuff that you bring into your life with intention. And embracing meaningful actions, experiences and encounters.
Like minimalism, it is partially about clearing the clutter – both physical and mental. But, unlike minimalism, it’s not about how little you can live with or how sparse your home décor is.
Rather consciously choosing to keep what brings you Joy. If a collage wall of your travel photos brings a smile and reminds you of all your wonderful travels, then hang them. If a giant bowl of rocks reminds you of all the places you collected them, display it, If your grandmother’s tea cup reminds you of her, bring them out of the cupboard and place it where you can see it.
Like minimalism, it is partially about clearing the clutter – both physical and mental. But, unlike minimalism, it’s not about how little you can live with or how sparse your home décor is.
Rather consciously choosing to keep what brings you Joy. If a collage wall of your travel photos brings a smile and reminds you of all your wonderful travels, then hang them. If a giant bowl of rocks reminds you of all the places you collected them, display it, If your grandmother’s tea cup reminds you of her, bring them out of the cupboard and place it where you can see it.
“When we remove the clutter, we make room to be creative, inspired and productive.”
~ the Simplicity Reset
Clear out anything that you find distracting. If it’s not something you can remove completely, then find a place for it out of sight - out of sight, out of mind.
"The absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming; taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things."
While you are at it, declutter your email and social media notifications … hit unsubscribe.
Nothing will ruin the moment faster than a dinging phone!
Conscious simplicity is also about simple, uncomplicated relationships with people you love to spend time with; people who lift you up, light your soul, and are perfectly happy just being with you – no matter where you are.
It’s about cooking simple meals with whole foods for the people you love because it will nourish them (and you); it’s about not rushing through life, but slowing down and enjoying every moment.
It’s about putting a stop to over committing yourself; strive for less busy-ness. Block self-care into your calendar; set aside 1-2 hours everyday that are completely wide open and unscheduled – free time. Learn to say No. Delegate – you don’t have to do everything yourself.
Start single-tasking, put your focus wholly on one task at a time. Being completely present and enjoying that task with your whole heart.
It’s about having time to enjoy a walk outside, curl up with a good book, or watch a movie with your family; meditate or move your body in a way that brings you joy.
Making deeper, more joyful connections. Choosing quality over quantity in ALL aspects of your life. Seeking experiences that are deeply meaningful.
Remember to start small – pick 3 areas of your life to focus on first so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Practice mindfulness along the way.
Expect some discomfort – if free time is causing you anxiety because you feel like your “should” be doing something, choose self-care.
Nothing will ruin the moment faster than a dinging phone!
Conscious simplicity is also about simple, uncomplicated relationships with people you love to spend time with; people who lift you up, light your soul, and are perfectly happy just being with you – no matter where you are.
It’s about cooking simple meals with whole foods for the people you love because it will nourish them (and you); it’s about not rushing through life, but slowing down and enjoying every moment.
It’s about putting a stop to over committing yourself; strive for less busy-ness. Block self-care into your calendar; set aside 1-2 hours everyday that are completely wide open and unscheduled – free time. Learn to say No. Delegate – you don’t have to do everything yourself.
Start single-tasking, put your focus wholly on one task at a time. Being completely present and enjoying that task with your whole heart.
It’s about having time to enjoy a walk outside, curl up with a good book, or watch a movie with your family; meditate or move your body in a way that brings you joy.
Making deeper, more joyful connections. Choosing quality over quantity in ALL aspects of your life. Seeking experiences that are deeply meaningful.
Remember to start small – pick 3 areas of your life to focus on first so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Practice mindfulness along the way.
Expect some discomfort – if free time is causing you anxiety because you feel like your “should” be doing something, choose self-care.
“All great changes are preceded by chaos.”
~Deepak Chopra
Ask youself:
Don’t overthink it – there is no “right way” to do this. It’s what feels right for you, and aligns with why your wanted to move towards a simpler life in the first place.
I don't know about you, but this definately sounds like part of holistic living to me ... and it sounds like a positively wonderful way to live my life.
- Does it bring me Joy?
- Do I Love it?
- Does it serve a useful purpose?
- Is it important to me?
- Does it add value to my life?
Don’t overthink it – there is no “right way” to do this. It’s what feels right for you, and aligns with why your wanted to move towards a simpler life in the first place.
I don't know about you, but this definately sounds like part of holistic living to me ... and it sounds like a positively wonderful way to live my life.
Brien-anne RMT, CA
I am passionate not only about Massage Therapy & Aromatherapy, but also living a holistic lifestyle and empowering & inspiring others to do the same!
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