How to Recharge Over the Holidays
SOURCE: Houzz
Try these easy ideas to let go of stress and enjoy the festivities more
Between navigating tricky family dynamics, missing loved ones we can’t be with, traveling, gift shopping and attending events, the holiday season can leave us feeling more swamped than joyful. There is no magic formula for transforming the holidays into a peaceful time, but these 10 ideas can help you start embracing calm and meaningfulness in the midst of your busy life this season.
1. Create a Haven in Your Bedroom
When your bedroom is heaped with unwrapped presents and shopping bags, it’s no wonder that relaxing is hard — all of those things are visual reminders of your still-to-do list.
Even if you have to temporarily cram everything in the closet and under the bed, reclaiming your space is worth the effort. With a cleared dresser top, a freshly made bed and perhaps a strand of twinkle lights or a garland of greenery, your bedroom can be a peaceful place that helps you recharge.
2. Make Some Lists
Feeling frazzled and overwhelmed? Grab a hot drink and a notebook and answer these questions:
What are your favorite parts of the holiday season? List the things you love.
What’s stressing you out? List the things you could do without.
How do you want this holiday season to feel? List up to three words that encompass that feeling.
3. Balance a Big Event With a Quiet Night at Home
We may be happy to get involved in some of the more festive aspects of the season, like holiday parties and cookie swaps — but too much of a good thing can leave you feeling burned-out and grouchy. Instead of avoiding the fun events you’ve been looking forward to, simply plan a down day or a quiet, simple evening at home on the heels of a big experience. Throw something easy in the oven and settle in for a low-key night of reading, watching movies or working on a puzzle.
4. Add a Peaceful Element to Your Morning Routine
Even if you can muster only an extra five minutes in the morning, you have the potential to start your day on a more hopeful, centered note. Consider adding one or two of these peaceful elements to your morning routine:
Light a candle or two in the dark of early morning while you wait for your coffee or tea to brew.
Read a few pages of an inspirational book while you sip.
Write a quick journal entry or jot down a list of little things on your mind.
Add a few drops of an essential oil like eucalyptus, pine, peppermint or lavender to your bath and breathe deeply.
5. Savor a Nostalgic Favorite
Whether it’s a favorite cookie, a holiday album or a children’s book you loved when you were a kid, taking the time to really slow down and savor the bits of the holidays that mean the most to you can bring a lot of joy.
The key word here is savor: Instead of grabbing a few cookies on the go or listening to music in the background while you’re busy doing something else, intentionally stop and focus all of your attention on this beautiful small moment.
6. Have a One-on-One Date With a Friend
The holidays are often focused on group experiences, but it’s those big events that can drain our energy the most. To counteract a holiday energy slump, consider making a date to catch up with a good friend one-on-one. Take a walk with a thermos of hot cider or meet up for lunch and a chat.
7. Reminisce With Your Digital Photos
In his book The Art of Making Memories: How to Create and Remember Happy Moments, author Meik Wiking — chief executive of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark — suggests choosing and printing your “happy hundred” photographs (of the happiest moments of the year) at the end of the year.
Browsing through your digital photos from the year acts as a reminder of the positive experiences and happy moments you may have forgotten, and helps cement those memories for the future — and if you can include a loved one in the process, all the better.
8. Put Mindfulness on Autopilot
Consider turning an everyday routine into a reminder to bring your attention to the present moment. For example, every time you wash your hands, make that a signal to take a deep breath and focus on the warm water and soap suds on your hands and the feeling of your feet firmly planted on the floor. This simple action can center whirling thoughts and ground you in the present moment.
9. Take a Catnap
Cats and dogs are pros at living in the moment and doing exactly what they feel like doing. Take a cue from your furry friends and do what you really want to do, whether that means taking a nap, eating a big salad instead of one more rich appetizer, or watching a great movie or TV show under the blankets.
0. Step Outside
Whether you’re outdoors shoveling snow or simply on your way to run an errand, pay extra attention to the contrast between the wintry world outside and your cozy house. When you go back inside with a cold nose and flushed cheeks, warm yourself by the fire (or heater) and take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasure of being snug and warm.
Your turn: How do you recharge during the holidays? Please tell us in the Comments.
SOURCE: Houzz