Along with the holidays come many extra ... such as parties, ... gift gifting, cooking and more. ... ... to meet the ... demands on our time, energy, emotions and finan
Along with the holidays come many extra activities such as parties, shopping, gift gifting, cooking and more. Stretching ourselves to meet the increased demands on our time, energy, emotions and finances can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed rather than joyous and enthusiastic. There is nothing like the holidays to distract us from our good habits and healthy personal care routine; they almost always get in the way of our best intentions.
While you may love the holidays, you may easily and quickly find yourself over-extended with obligations, commitments and expectations for creating a magical holiday. How about being more more intentional about giving to yourself, as well as giving to others, in order to find a balance that allows you to be less stressed and truly enjoy the season? By regularly scheduling time for yourself, to unwind, to exercise, to rest and rejuvenate, you will feel much better and enjoy the holidays more. Have you taken a moment to think about the gift you will give yourself for the holiday season? Why not give yourself the give of self-care?
Below are four tips to help you have a more enjoyable holiday season:
1. MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Set realistic expectations. Give yourself permission to let go of trying to be superhuman in order to create a perfect holiday. Be patient with yourself and do the best you can, trusting that the holiday will be perfect however it turns out. Ask yourself: Do I have reasonable expectations for the holidays?
2. SCHEDULE TIME FOR YOURSELF. Self-care is not the result of good intentions, but rather the result of being intentional about setting aside time each day to care for yourself. Especially during this busy season it is important to schedule time, even if only 5-10 minutes, to refresh and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. Ask yourself: Have I scheduled time for myself today? What will I do to care for myself?
3. ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS. The added stress of the holidays can detract from the enjoyment if you are constantly chasing a schedule, stretching your budget to the max with gift giving and extra purchases, feeling exhausted, impatient or frustrated. Remember the spirit of the season and truly enjoy the holidays. Ask yourself: Am I enjoying the holidays? If not, what is one thing I can do to make sure that I do?
4. GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT. While the holidays are a time to be generous, give gifts and do nice things for others, they are also a time to indulge yourself. What gift would be most meaningful for you? Perhaps taking time for a manicure or massage, a round of golf, pursuing an interest by enrolling in a class, making plans for a vacation that you've wanted to take – something to make you feel pampered and cared for. Ask yourself: What gift will I give myself?
HOLIDAY FUN
FUN HOLIDAY MOVIES... • Babes in Toyland • The Christmas Gift • Home Alone • Home for the Holidays • Jingle All the Way • The Night Before Christmas • Prancer • Santa Claus • Scrooged • A Christmas Carol • Holiday Affair • Home Alone 2 • It's a Wonderful Life • Miracle on 34th Street • The Nutcracker • The Preacher's Wife • Scrooge • White Christmas
FUN HOLIDAY MUSIC... • Harry for the Holidays by Harry Connick, Jr. • Christmas with the Rat Pack • The Ultimate Classical Christmas Album of All Time • White Christmas by Elvis Presley. • Putumayo Presents: Christmas Around the World • Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano
"Imagine every day is a holiday. do one little thing that stimulates this holiday mood each day, then watch your worries fade away." ~ Paul Wilson
Copyright ©2004 Pat Morgan. Reprintable when full credit is given.
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