Well, the holidays are closing in on us fast. Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas will follow a month after. Of course, there are other holidays as well. Here in America, it usually gets pretty hectic, as people are shopping for the perfects gifts to give, preparing for holiday meals and get togethers, and of course, going to one or maybe several parties. Of course, this all happens while you still go to work and live your life. It's no wonder many people get overwhelmed and even run down and sick, during and after the holiday season.
So that raises the question; how can we take care of ourselves this holiday season? If you want to enjoy yourself and come out the other side of the holidays in good shape - you need balance. Go with the flow and try not to overload yourself too often, or at all if you can help it. Of course for most of us it's easier said than done. Sometimes you can slip out of a party early or take short planned out shopping trips when you can. Pull together with others and share the preparation duties when you can. Try to simplify where you can and not overdo it too much. As Thoreau said, "Simplify, Simplify, Simplify."
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| the holidays can be a real balancing act. |
Remember the basics; proper rest, good nutrition, take a good multi-vitamin. But that's not the whole story. How else do we take care of ourselves? How about doing something good for yourself? Get a massage or a reflexology session. Pamper yourself. Enjoy a relaxing meal with a friend and then go to a spa for a little pampering. Remember guys - massage is just as good for men as women. Plan a little time to just relax and recharge your batteries.
Take time for yourself every day. Take 20-30 minutes every day to just relax. Sit down in a comfy chair, close your eyes and just relax; be aware of your breath, in and out. That's meditating. When you do that, bring yourself into the present moment. Let go of the past events of the day and your life, and don't think about the things your need to do or plan for. Just enjoy the moment. It's so good for you and it's a good practice all year round.
Sometime or several times during the day, stop and just be grateful for whatever you're doing. Practice gratitude while you're at work, shopping, relaxing at home, or whatever and wherever you are. Being in present moment and practicing gratitude will bring you an overall sense of feeling good. If you're feeling down at all - it may be time to start practicing gratitude every day - I promise - it's helps.
Feed your mind and spirit. Are you taking time to read? Take a little time and do some reading. If you haven't been studying your spiritual texts lately, it's certainly a good time of year to take it up again. Go to church. Take a little time for worship. Of course, you don't have to go to a formal place of worship to do this, but it's certainly nice to worship with like minded people - or if it's been a while, to try something new.
Get into the holiday spirit. There's so much commercialization of Christmas, they're ready for it in stores at the end of September; it's hard not to be a little jaded sometimes. However, don't let it get you down. Enjoy the season, go to a concert or parade, break bread or have a drink with friends. Just make the decision in your mind that, "I'm going to enjoy the season, this year!"
These are a few simple ideas to help, "make the season bright." Have some fun and enjoy....and remember - take care of yourself. And - remember those less fortunate. There's much we all can do to help others during the holiday season.
May there be more, "Peace on Earth, good will toward men." this year.
Peace,
Tom
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
