What is the first word that comes to mind when you think about the holidays? Given that our normally overextended "to do" lists have only grown substantially at this time of year, along with additional activities we engage in it could be you are experiencing more stress than usual. And, left unchecked, this holiday stress can make what should otherwise be a joyous time of celebration with friends and family make us feel more like sour faced Scrooge than jolly old St. Nick!
Below are 10 well researched "stress reduction" practices. Now is a good time to take a quick inventory of how you are doing and to reflect on at least 3 practices you can commit to focusing on during these busy weeks.
One way I am approaching the days and weeks ahead is to being very mindful about being present in whatever activity I am engaged in. Instead of beating myself up for something I didn't do exactly as I planned to, or racing ahead to the next 5 or 6 things I need to get done, I am focusing on the people and activities right in front of me at that very moment. When I do this I find my breathing slows down and my mind settles instead of feeling scattered.
Pardon the "pun" but there is no time like the "present" to be "present" for the "presents"!
Rate yourself on a scale from 1-10 (10 being the highest)
- I sleep at least seven to eight hours on an average night.
- I avoid foods that provide no nourishment.
- I spend time outdoors each day.
- I engage in play activities each day.
- I choose my attitude each day.
- I have a short or extended vacation planned over the next few months.
- I laugh several times during each day.
- I practice ways to "be there" for those people in my life each day.
- I make an effort to enjoy each day rather than focus totally on the future.
- I exhibit flexibility, even though I want things done my way.
- I try to make other people's day.
How did you do? Did this survey bring to light some things that you are NOT doing to alleviate stress in your life? Did you identify some things that you may be able to do a bit differently to help reduce the stress in your life?
Now look at the list again focusing on practices you would like to and can commit to incorporating into your life during the next few weeks. Pick your top three.
- Sleep at least seven to eight hours on an average night.
- Avoid foods that provide no nourishment.
- Spend time outdoors each day.
- Engage in play activities each day
- Choose my attitude each day.
- Have a short or extended vacation planned over the next few months.
- Laugh several times during each day.
- Practice ways to "be there" for those people in my life each day.
- Make an effort to enjoy each day rather than focus totally on the future.
- Exhibit flexibility, even though I want things done my way.
- Try to make other people's day.
Source: Real Life Magazine
We at The Trans4m Center hope you have a Merry Christmas and that 2017 is filled with an abundance of blessings and a renewed resolution to keep stress in check!
If you have attended the 
