Slow Down! Enjoy the Season!
Each year I’ve told myself that next year is going to be different. I’m going to slow down, lounge on the couch with some homemade hot chocolate, and enjoy the season.
Then December 1st arrives, and life takes off like a rocket.
Who has time to slow down and enjoy the season?
There must be a way to slow down when life gets crazy busy, and I believe I have finally found an answer for my life and yours.
Enjoy some “Me” Time
Self-care is one of the most important health habits you can add to your routine. When life gets hectic, your stress levels increase, which creates many health problems. As you’re adding seasonal events to your calendar, make sure you schedule some “Me” time. Make a list of what makes you feel rested and then schedule some time to make it happen. When you give all your time to others, you’ll find yourself feeling fatigued, irritable, and miserable. Not the ideal way to spend your holidays. Keep your stress levels down and your energy up with fun and relaxing “Me” time activities.
Enjoy Your Family and Friends
Are you a people pleaser?
In other words, can you say “No” to events that you really don’t enjoy?
Take notice of the holiday events you’re invited to attend and ask yourself will this event make me feel happy or will I regret attending?
Choose to attend those events where you will enjoy your family and friends. Laugh, love, and put your devices away. Spend time with your family and friends and not your devices. Plan fun activities that include your guests that will create moments of fun and laughter.
Enjoy Simple Events
Holiday planning can become overbearing if you’re not careful. Trying to plan a menu, decorate your home, send out invitations, prepare the dishes for the event, keep everyone happy, and then cleaning up afterwards. Whew! Makes me tired thinking about it. You may find yourself in the middle of planning multiple gatherings this month and your stress levels have begun to climb the chart. Can I offer you some advice? Keep it simple and enjoyable. Your home does not need to look like a magazine holiday spread, and you don’t need to spend days in the kitchen preparing the meals. In fact, charcuterie boards are popular this year and are simple to pull together. Hosting holiday gatherings are fun, but not if you’re stressed and worn out. Enjoy yourself this year by keeping your events simple and delightful.
Enjoy Yourself
Most of all, enjoy yourself this holiday season.
Sure, keep an eye on your health, but at the same time enjoy the dishes of the season. Practice the 80/20 rule during the holidays. Eating healthy 80% of the time and allow yourself to indulge 20% of the time.
Your goal this holiday season is to enjoy yourself without being judgmental of your few indulgences.
Take time this holiday season to slow down and enjoy yourself. Keep your calendar simple, add some self-care, lower your stress, and keep laughter as part of your routine.
Stay grounded with these holiday affirmations.