It’s that time of year where stress can go into overdrive!
If your not careful the holidays will be gone in a blink and you will have missed it. All the beauty, all the magic, and all the joy. All because of stress.
The holidays can feel so overwhelming. There doesn’t seem to be enough hours to get the “to-do list” done!
This is the time of year where you have to dig a little deeper into your life and find some peace. It’s there, but you have to seek it out intentionally.
Just trying to do that can feel stressful! It’s worth it though. For your spirit, and your wellness. Where do you even begin during this hectic time of year? Let’s take a deep breath and go find some joy!
De-Stress with something warm to drink
Something about wrapping your hands around a cup of hot tea or coffee can instantly bring a sense of calm. For a few minutes, stop and pause and enjoy that cup of comfort.
At home or work make a conscious effort to sit and sip and let your heart rate slow down. Don’t let your thoughts go to what you have to do. Let peace find it’s way into your heart for those few minutes. This is something you can do all year long, but I find it helps so much during the holidays.
Move your body
When stress is having its way, it affects your body. You can have more headaches, aches and pains, and sleepless nights. With the busy holidays, you may feel it even more. The best way to combat that is to get moving.
This is where you might have to find the time somewhere. It doesn’t have to be a big chunk of time. Whenever you exercise your body reaps the benefits. It’s the best stress reducer there is! There are apps on phones that make it easy to get a quick few minutes of exercise at any time during your day.
Don’t wait until the new year to start! Get a head start now! No amount of moving your body in exercise is wasted! You will be staying ahead of the stress and bringing health back to your life no matter how chaotic things feel.
Stop and breathe
It’s so simple but so powerful for instantly reducing stress in just a couple of minutes. If your feeling light-headed or dizzy because you’re at full steam from morning until night with all that needs to get done…stop and breathe. Anytime and anywhere just do a few relaxing breaths and bring some calm back into your life. It works!
Pray
If you’re just wanting to get the holidays over with, so you can get your life back again, it’s time to pray. Get quiet by 
yourself and ask God to bring the Christmas meaning back to your heart. Don’t miss it this year because of stress. Pray for clarity and focus for what you have to get done and to have moments of peace and joy through it all.
When your spirit is depleted, it’s hard to have joy. Spend some moments with God this holiday season and let Him fill your heart up again with his presence and give you His peace that transcends all understanding. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Girly time
A hot bath works magic! Put in some bubbles, essential oils, whatever you love and let your stress go. Warm water is therapeutic and healing. It relaxes every muscle in your body and will help you sleep better. While you’re at it, put a facial mask on while you soak and be relaxed and glowy at the same time! It’s easy to let this go with all the shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping gifts, etc. Making a little time for yourself will nurture you and help you to feel more balanced.
Find some quiet moments
The holiday season is noisy and can feel frantic! E-mails are out of control with sales and discounts telling us to hurry and buy. Traffic gets crazy and so do drivers! This is where that car diffuser with essential oil helps! Everyone is impatient with a list. Since I’m an esthetician, I notice faces. People just look stressed this time of year! This is supposed to be a joyful season, but where’s the joy?
Gratitude can help you remember. Get quiet, and just name a few things or people that you’re grateful for this season. Sometimes we have to help the heart and mind to remember when it’s so noisy. Combine that with a deep breath, and you will feel more peaceful and joy can find it’s way back into your heart.
In a blink, it will be a new year with another holiday season gone. You’re doing so much for everyone, that sometimes you can forget that you’re important too. Take those few moments to slow down, breathe, and pray.
Let peace and joy find you again, making this a memorable holiday you will always remember.
Until next time,
~pat
