›› Reduce Holiday Stress
Do you strive to
reduce holiday stress?
Is the holiday season making you stressed? Has Christmas shopping
wrapped you up in anxiety? Is the family driving you nuts?
If you want to reduce holiday stress, you are not alone. On the
outside, Christmas is obviously a time of celebration, giving and
togetherness. On the inside, however, the way people really feel does
not always match the alleged Holiday cheer. So, what can be done about
this pervasive stress? Cancel Christmas? Abolish shopping? No certainly
not.
You have to learn to stay centered in the midst of chaos. You have to
learn to focus on what is deeply important, despite that fact that
everyone is running around in a frenzy. You have to learn to find a
little "slowness" in the "fastness."
This can be done. You do it by finding the deeper meaning in every
interaction, every gift exchange, and every glance into the eyes of a
clerk. Take the time to make every moment about giving and about
receiving, instead of just building it up for the big day in the future.
Keep your focus on what you are doing now, not how others will react in
the future. If you find your mind wandering to the past or to the
future, gently tug it back inward. Say: "Come back here mind! You don't
need to wander aimlessly!" Christmas is an attitude; it is not a day.
One of the most fun-enhancing attitudes is this: Learn to give more of
yourself as you give someone a gift. This means giving with joy and
with feeling. It means taking to heart how special this person is in
your life. It means giving more importance to the relationship than to
the gift. You make Christmas special by making your relationships
special. As you give, remember the other person's specialness in your
life. This will help reduce holiday stress!
Likewise, remember to make your self feel special also. This is not
arrogance; this is just acknowledging who you are. You are a cool and
hip individual, correct? Notice your good qualities as much as
possible. Slow down, at least momentarily from time to time during all
the chaos of Christmas to feel how important you are. That is how you
give to yourself.
Giving to yourself is a stress reducer. When someone gives you a gift,
as you receive it, find a way to give more of yourself to yourself.
This means giving your self the sentiment of the Holiday cheer, and
remembering that you deserve it all. You really do deserve it.
The stress of the holiday season comes from being caught in the things
that matter the least. Focus on what matters most and you will make
this the best Christmas ever.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
