With the slight hint of coolness in the air, I can’t help but feel excited and a little “spooked” with the start of the holiday season. Don’t get me wrong, I adore all the festivities that come with the changing of the season. The only thing that I don’t like to welcome is the stress that inevitably comes with it. Here are three sure-fire ways to create calm during the holiday season.
1. Create your own habit of cozy “me-time”
Self-care is so important as we head towards the trifecta of major holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Scheduling some necessary “me-time” and making it a habit, ensures that your brain becomes hard-wired to prioritize self-care in a positive way. Because I’m an early bird riser, I enjoy taking the time in the morning to start my day off with a sense of calm. This includes creating a whole experience out of it. I wake up early, light a scented candle, drink coffee, and write down things that I’m grateful for in my journal. By creating this habit of “cozy” me-time, I make myself a priority which is so important when the holidays usually center around making my family happy. Start asking yourself, “What brings you joy?” Your cozy ritual might include meditating, listening to an amazing podcast, or organizing in your planner. If you fill your cup with self-love, then you will be able to think more clearly and re-focus on what’s important for the holiday season. Need quick meditations to jump-start your mornings? Read Mark Nepo’s “The Book of Awakening” which contains daily bite-sized nuggets of wisdom that will awaken your senses.
2. Head in to Nature
Feeling overwhelmed and disconnected amongst the craziness of it all? Try walking outside with your family to look at the changing of leaves or plan an activity to pick apples at a local orchard. Reconnecting with the sights and sounds of nature oftentimes puts you in the natural rhythm of life itself. I like to take short family hikes along Mission Trails when the weather gets cooler and allow myself to bond with my kids through a simplistic lens (without all the bells and whistles of the holidays). Afterwards, we head to The Mission Trails Visitors Center to soak in the panoramic view of the Mission trails park and explore the exhibitions inside.
3. Let go of expectations
Sometimes giving myself permission to letting go of what a perfect holiday should look like also allows me to be in the moment. It’s ok if I can’t go to every single pumpkin patch within a 50-mile radius or if the holiday photos don’t come out picture perfect– the whole point of every holiday is to value those moments that make life so rich. When I get truly stressed out, I like to gravitate to the idea that less is more. Paring down activities and letting go of expectations, creates the wiggle room needed to breathe and be grateful for what is in front of you. Need daily suggestions on wellness practices? Visit Action For Happiness to access free wellness calendars and monthly updates.
Have any suggestions for creating calm during the storm of the holiday season? We’d love to know in the comments below.
