Hope you had a great week and are keeping warm. It's been a pretty nice week here in Phoenix. So, the Christmas season is in full swing here and it's getting busy and a little hectic. Of course that means we may get a little stressed out at times, right?
I was talking about this with a friend of mine the other day and we did a hypno session with her as well. When discussing her issue, the key word that came to me was Balance. It occurred to me that we get out of balance during this time of year. Why? We're working hard, preparing for Christmas or other holidays, stores are packed, there's more traffic on the roads than usual, etc.
Why we allow ourselves to get out of balance? No matter how hard we try to keep it all balanced out, it's hard to get everything done and continue to make time to relax by ourselves or with those closest to us. There are more demands made on us, seemingly from all directions. Even though its a season of love and giving, there's lots to do and probably more social events as well - the work party, extra church celebrations and celebrations thru other organizations as well, not to mention parties with families and friends. It's a lot going on and so much fun as well, but it's easy to over do it.
With all of this going on, should we just give in and go with it? Perhaps we can regain our sanity after the new year starts? Well, there is something to "going with the flow." Go with the current, but be a little selective about which or how many events you attend. You don't have to go to all of them.
Slow down a bit. Take it easy and make a little time for yourself. Take 15-30 minutes a day to just relax, maybe close your eyes and meditate. Get a massage (I know a good place to get one). Watch some football, or engage in a favorite hobby. Get some exercise every day. Be gentle with yourself and make a little time to relax.
Remember every day to be grateful for all the blessings we have in our lives. Carrying an attitude of gratitude makes you feel better and is contagious. Its good to get off the "pitty pot" and start looking at the good things going on. Sometimes just being grateful for the air we breathe, the water we drink and a little food can make a difference in our outlook. Conversely, there are always going on that we'd like to change in this world and a lot of times the world does not cooperate with us. Dwelling on those things will only make us feel worse.
Meditation is always a must. 15-30 minutes of pure relaxation. It's like re-booting the computer. No TV and put on some very relaxing music - then just relax the body and mind. If you have too many things on your mind, remember to bring yourself back to the present moment and maybe try focusing on your breathing.
Get involved in worship. Christ is the reason for Christmas. Which ever holidays you celebrate this time of year, get involved in the spiritual celebration. Remember why these holidays exist in the first place.
A little bit of prevention goes a long way. Keep your diet moderate, but don't deprive yourself either. Get rest, down time, and make time to have fun with family and/or friends. Do something nice for someone less fortunate.
Keep it in balance and you'll less stressed and feel much better come January.
May God Bless you all this holiday season and have a very well balanced Christmas.
Peace,
Tom
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