25 Days to a Stress Free Christmas
Day 1 – Remember the Reason for the Season!
The holiday season is about celebrating the birth of the Savior. You know the story…a baby is born from a virgin womb and is called Emmanuel (God with us). Jesus brings the good news that God is with us and that there is a place called heaven that He is preparing for us. He gives us hope for a decent life on earth and a reunion in heaven. He understands suffering. He is love. (That’s the short version!)
This holiday season, you can enjoy each and every day knowing that God is with you. This should give you a peace in your mind and bring joy to your heart. If this isn’t in your belief system, you can still find meaning this month by being present in mind, body and spirit and practicing gratitude for all the good things in your life. Enjoy this month!
Day 2 – Practice deep breathing.
You will need this skill as you enter into acute bouts of stress. Place your hands around your rib cage. Breathe deep through the nose (not a sniff) so that you feel the ribs move out as you inhale. Open your mouth and let out a nice big sigh. Do this a minimum of 5 times in a row.
When you feel the signs of stress, take 5 deep breaths just like this. You can do this in your office chair, while sitting in your car, lying down…anywhere. No one even has to know you are consciously changing your breath. Deep breathing will calm your nerves and bring you back into the present moment.
Day 3 – Keep moving!
This is not the time to slack off when it comes to burning off some of your stored energy. Holiday time is eating time and as you well know we tend to overindulge with all the celebrating. Give yourself the gift of health with a daily routine of walking, running, cycling, yoga or any type of movement. My girlfriend Michele Rusinko, a personal trainer and nutritional expert has inspired me to take her “Guts & Glutes” and “Interval Training” classes. I’m so glad I decided to do this. I feel better knowing that a few cookies aren’t going to put me over the edge as I continue to move while enjoying the holidays. One tip is to schedule your movement time on your calendar. So get the calendar out and write it down! Next hike, walk, swim, yoga is…
Day 4 – Light your candles!
Don’t wait until you have company to enjoy some ambient lighting. Get out all those candle holders, candles and lighters and create beautiful lighting in your home every night or even during the day. Candles bring warmth and a sense of calm.
Day 5 – Decide on the Christmas cards now.
I have often hemmed and hawed over sending out Christmas cards which of course, adds to my holiday stress. After all, they are expensive to buy, expensive to mail and may require many hours of time selecting pictures, writing Christmas letters or notes and sealing/stamping the envelopes. If you don’t send cards this year, your friends and family will not be upset with you. They won’t even take you off their list – unless you go a few years without sending yours – and then they might.
The point is to make your decision now. I will send them or I won’t. If you do send them now, set a deadline and get it done. This one decision will create more space in your mind to think about other things.
Day 6 – Give yourself Peace of Mind
My sister just reminded me how important it is to get those check ups. She’s doing fine, but she regularly goes for the mammograms and other important appointments. If you have been concerned about a lump or pain in the breast, a mole that looks different, an abnormal bowels, pain in your chest or ANYTHING that has got you worried, make that appointment right now and don’t look back.
Get that colonoscopy screening scheduled! I’ve had two and it’s not that bad – especially when you get that clean bill of health or they remove a polyp. Your health is the most important thing in the world. You can give yourself peace of mind by simply having your body checked over so you know everything’s okay. Succumbing to FEAR of the unknown is simply inviting trouble. Knowledge is power and you can empower yourself if you choose.
Day 7 – Be Present
Focus on the here and now. Keep the past behind you and allow the future to unfold with curiosity. For now, enjoy each moment as it comes and expect your holiday season to fill you with joy.
Day 8 – Diffuse Some White Fir and Cinnamon Oil!
or other essential oils that smell like Christmas. While we love our candles, essential oils offer a healthier alternative to adding fragrance to your home. They also support respiration and lift your mood! Some great choices are Cinnamon, Clove, White Fir, Juniper Berry, Cedarwood, Wild Orange or a combination of some of these. OR, diffuse this amazing blend by doTERRA: Holiday Joy
You can order Holiday Joy RIGHT HERE!
Day 9 – Surround yourself with things you love!
Need I say more? Isn’t he cute? What is it about owls?
Find something that makes you smile. For me it was this cute towel I found at TJ Max. I bought two sets…one for myself and one for my daughter. She loves birds and I knew she would love looking at this towel during the holidays. Sure enough, it’s hanging on her stove handle in the kitchen. I’m using mine as well and every time I look at it I smile.
Whatever it is for you – pictures, towels or decorations – put them where you can enjoy them every day.
Day 10 – Try meditation for 10 minutes a day.
Meditation is not really that mysterious. It’s about sitting quietly and allowing the mind to rest long enough for wisdom and light to enter. Meditation has a profoundly positive affect on our health. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and make you feel as if you’ve just had a conversation with God.
If you’ve never tried to meditate, just find a comfortable seat in your home or any quiet place. Sit up (not necessary to cross your legs), close your eyes and begin noticing your breath. Pick a mantra or word such as peace. Say to yourself over and over again, Breathe In, Peace Out. You can do this silently and continue until you begin to feel more relaxed.
Day 11 – Take a Hot bath.
If you’re not a bath person, skip this one…but if you are and haven’t had one in a long time, give yourself this holiday gift! Light some candles, grab a glass of wine and tell the fam to get lost for 30 minutes while you relax. Don’t forget to add some Lavender for a soothing scent!
Day 12 – Put Your Legs Up the Wall.
10-20 minutes of Legs Up the Wall pose is one of the best things you can do to recharge. It will rest your feet, legs and heart. I do this when I feel exhausted and need a few more hours of energy for my day. Your feet may feel like they’re falling asleep after 5+ minutes, but don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Stay on your back with legs up as long as you are able – up to 20 minutes. I promise, you’ll feel a renewed energy that will get you through your day.
Day 13 – Get a Massage.
Massage has many benefits – releasing stress is one of the great ones. It also helps to cleanse the body, assists the lymphatic system and helps restore muscles, tendons and ligaments. This is a great essential oil to bring to your massage appointments. Your therapist will be happy to drop this down your spine!
Day 14 – Listen to Comedy Radio.
My sister-in-law insisted that my brother-in-law listen to comedy radio on his way home from work. He has an hour drive each way and was always stressed out. After tuning into the funny channel, he began to have a much lighter attitude when arriving home. My husband listens often too. I’m pretty sure it gets him through the day!
Day 15 – Send a “Thinking of You” note.
to someone you care about. Getting your mind off yourself and onto someone else can do you a world of good. Know that the recipient of your lovely note will be thrilled to get some real mail and you could be warming the heart of someone who really needs a lift right now.
Day 16 – Get a Pedi!
Take a break from the shopping and indulge in a little pampering! Can you feel it in your mind – the chair massage and foot/leg massage at the same time? Many places take walk ins! Just go for it and be soothed.
Day 17 – Order Out and Bring it In.
Give yourself a cooking break. Grab a pizza or some Asian food and forget about cleaning dishes for the night.
Day 18 – Take a Nap.
You don’t have to sleep, but it’s a good idea to lay down and rest your eyes for a while. Napping is healthy and allows you to de-compress. If you are working full-time and don’t have this option, make sure you get some quiet time on your breaks.
Day 19 – Go to a party.
I know that sometimes we get tired of being out, but it can be really fun to step into the spirit with your presence at a social event. You never know what great connections you can make with other people when you engage in the fun!
Day 20 – Write your last minute shopping list.
Putting your last minute errands and shopping items in writing helps to stay organized.
Day 21 – Buy yourself a new holiday outfit.
I know we’re getting down to the wire here, but it’s always a lift when you are out shopping and find something festive to wear for those family gatherings. Treat yourself. You deserve it!
Day 22 – Go out for a fancy coffee.
Now’s the time to amp up your “me” time and treat yourself to a yummy beverage. You know you don’t have to drink coffee…there’s always tea and hot chocolate!
Day 23 – Listen to Christmas music
while wrapping the last of your gifts. If you’re tired of the same old songs, search You Tube for some unique and beautiful songs of the season.
Day 24 – Attend church services.
There’s something about going to church on Christmas Eve and spending one hour in worship and listening to scripture that is really healthy for the mind/body and soul. This Christmas Eve, attend a service to re-connect with the true meaning of the holiday season.
Day 25 – Merry Christmas! Enjoy your day!
Wishing you blessings as you spend Christmas with those you love!
