by Terry Barnett-Martin, LMFT
This time of the year when temperatures drop and nightfall comes quickly, our bodies want to cushion in and rest a bit more. If we listen closely we can sense the slower rhythm of our natural emotional heartbeat as it signals to us to go gently into the holiday season. The trouble is that as the year comes to a close for many of us, work ramps up to get every last project done and we can feel drained more easily. Add onto that the exciting, yet stressful side of the holidays and it is the perfect recipe for cold, flu and exhaustion. Or is it? You can come through holiday season healthy, refreshed and revitalized if you follow these 4-part plan”
1) Tune into yourself. Just as in nature as plants retreat underground where they slowly and steadily build up life energy to fuel them during the spring and summer, so it is the for people. If we tune into ourselves and honor our need to retreat inward a bit, we’ll be healthier, happier and less stressed.
2) Find the light. Some people feel low and depressed at this time of the year. If that’s so for you, get into the light as much as possible. Many years ago, when candles and lights became decorations marking the holiday season, it was because people intuitively knew they needed more light and cheer to balance the dark. Drink in the sights and sounds of the season, they are meant to bring light into the darkness and lift our spirits.
3) Spread goodwill. To feed your soul and those around you, perform regular random acts of kindness, whether anonymously or in person. Smile at people as you pass by them, hold a door open for the person behind you, help feed those who don’t have enough to eat, donate gifts for families in need…there are so many small and large things to do to bring cheer and goodwill. Extending kindness changes everything.
4) Say “no” to overwhelming expectations. The holiday season can be laden with “should” and “musts” that can steal your balance and wellbeing. As much as possible, say “YES” to events and traditions that lift you up and fill your heart with warmth and joy. And even more importantly, say “NO” to whatever pulls you down. Though traditions can be precious when they bring people together with joy and peace, there are some that cause stress to maintain every year. Take a minute to figure out who and what matters most to you and build your holidays around that.
Be kind and caring to yourself during the holidays, and to the extent that you are able, do the same for the significant people in your life. Going gently into the holiday season and bringing cheer and goodwill will fill you up and keep you healthy, not to mention it will make your world and little brighter.