December 10, 2019
This is the Holiday Season, it is exciting and exhilarating in many ways, but for many it is filled with anxiety and depression.
I happen to be a person who loves the notorious, Hallmark, picture- perfect, movies because they always turn out the way I want them to! But that is seldom true of real life.
When there is so much going on and so much expected, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and focus on stress. It takes intentionality to be aware of the subtle blessings in life and cultivate gratefulness, especially during times of overwhelm. But that is exactly what we need to do.
We do have the ability to change. We do not have to say yes to everything that others ask us to do and we can take extra measures to carve out self care during this bustling time of year.
Here are a few suggestions:
Be intentional about eating food that makes you feel light and healthy. Start with three days this week that you will intentionally eat well and take notice of how it makes you feel physically.
Drink more water than usual. Add some lemon, lime or cucumbers to it, for an uplifting change!
Take the first 10 minutes or more of your day and pray or journal. Focus on the things you have to be thankful for. We take for granted running water, warmth, food, technology and the ability to think.
Make the decision to stretch or exercise every morning for 15 minutes and see how you feel later on in the day because of that decision.
Break out the essential oils you have laying around and pick out 2-3 that you love! Put a few drops of each into a spray bottle, fill with water, shake well and use as a room deodorizer. Remember that most essential oils are anti-viral and anti-bacterial- so it will not just brighten your mood, it will also support your immune system!
Pick out special cards for those people in your life that you need to say, “I love you”, to. Writing is very therapeutic.
Surround your self with positive music that has encouraging lyrics.
Take a walk for 10 minutes in the fresh air.
Take a bath or hot shower. Put Epsom salt in the bottom of the tub for added stress relief. Better yet, add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil into the Epsom salt first. A few drops of Eucalyptus will open up the respiratory and refresh you! (In Epsom first, not straight in water as it can irritate the skin if it lays upon water alone)
Choose to say,
” I am thankful to be alive today”, even if your not feeling it, choose to focus on the gift of life.
There! Those are some ideas to jump start you and get you thinking! You have the ability to change and make this day, and everyone to follow, better than the one before!
I am right here, journeying along with you and I would love to hear from you today! Happy Holidays<3