In preparation for the Holiday season we are claiming this to be” No Stress November” and sharing the how and why for prioritizing our peace this season....
No Stress November because we are always looking to center our wellness. We do this by reducing/ eliminating stress, improving how we care for ourselves and being intentional about doing what is best for US.
Considerations to keep November stress-free include:
1 - Making a plan for the Holiday season that Feels Good- prioritize what feels good to you and what you have capacity for. You do not have to overwork yourself. Figure out what you WANT to do and have capacity for and set an intention for yourself. Maybe Thanksgiving is a potluck, maybe you do a friendsgiving, maybe you order/ cater the WHOLE. MEAL. Do. You. With. No. Judgment.or. Guilt. If there is a person in the family who always does the cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping etc- Give them a RAISE and a Rest OK? Center family bonding time with realistic expectations and shared responsibilities like the beautiful community we are. We can be creative and share resources and responsibilities.
2 - Set a budget and plan ahead- Family/ Friend Holiday game night and Secret Santa with stocking stuffer gifts within a budget are some of our favorite ways of celebrating and staying on track financially. As well as funny gag gifts. We set a budget, before buying a thing( except for ourselves of course, no judgment :) GIF. Thoughtful holiday cards, small items of personal significance to those we care about are just as intentional and cost effective ways to express our care. We don't need to go broke or overcommit and stress ourselves out finding “the perfect thing”.
3 - We practice mindfulness, stillness, being in nature, meditating, moving our body and good quality rest all year over here. Ensure you are not just getting good quality and enough sleep ( we are serious about our 7-9 hours baby) but, plan your days off until the end of the year and take them. We take time off to rest( put that phone on DND, and prioritize intentional quiet time for yourself and loved ones helps us to relax and stay grounded despite the business of the season. Grounding and regulation help us to regulate ourselves and relax for more easeful holidays with the ones we love. These healthy habits help us to be less anxious, or stressed and we find ourselves doing less mindless activities including scrolling, and eating. Practicing stillness helps us quiet our mind and calm ourselves which is necessary to be around insert eye rolls those cousins.
4 - Plan to be Prepared - Many of us are going to have to interact with people that may have a slight history of tap dancing on our last nerves. Theres little we can do about how others behave. The power we have is in how we respond. If you know that one great aunt is going to ask you something inappropriate; PREPARE. When she goes on the getting married/ divorced, losing/ gaining weight, having a baby/ more babies/ not knowing how to take care of your babies tirade: Breathe;Smile. Lovely seeing you. Aunt Brenda or whatever works for you.. We can anticipate the ways in which some might be a frustration or annoyance to us so lets plan to be prepared for it and, how we might respond in a way we are proud of later. Our family necessitates a preplanned code word for quick exits or the Irish Goodbye.
5 - Lastly the Holidays are at the core about Peace, Love and Joy. We have to find that within ourselves to cultivate it and share with others. Find the joy. Make things easier for yourself. Be around people that are healthy and feel safe to you. Make whatever tradition or celebration you see fit for yourself. Be Safe and Healthy ( I wont eat ALL the pie this year were watching our sugars) and Enjoy No Stress November.
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