With Christmas just a week away, this time of year can feel overwhelming for many people, especially if you haven’t finished your holiday shopping or you are hosting a big party. I’m lucky that my schedule allows me to shop during the week, and I’m almost done.
We’ve all been there during a rush period. Impatience creeping in. But impatience only makes things harder for you and the people around you. And let’s be honest, it never improves the situation. So, the next time you feel impatience bubbling up, take a deep breath and show patience to yourself and others.
Stress reduction often starts with small steps. What can you do today to feel a little less overwhelmed? Could you delegate a task or two? If you’re a perfectionist, try embracing the idea that sometimes, “good enough” is more than enough for that chore. Couple your stress-reduction actions with something soothing to feel calmer every day.
Simple ways to find calm
After a busy day, why not carve out 10-15 minutes to unwind without a screen? A warm cup of tea or hot chocolate, paired with lofi Christmas melodies, can do wonders. A short pause like this can brighten your mood, and I’m sure you can fit it into your agenda.
Where does this come from? My ongoing research into staying calmer this year. I’ve always admired the Nordic approach to work-life balance. Incorporating a touch of hygge, gezellig, or mysa (Swedish for cozying up) into your winter routines can bring a comforting sense of peace. To make this break more relaxing, dim the lights to achieve the ambiance of an incandescent globe. Or light a candle and remember that opening a window is necessary to preserve air quality when lighting a candle.
Or maybe you want to try journaling, a practice where you reflect on your day, set priorities, and evaluate your purpose. You can start small by answering a prompt or writing your thoughts for three minutes. Revisit (i.e., reread) them from time to time to reflect on your progress, challenges, and what’s going on with you.
The whole idea is to take a few minutes every day for yourself—make it a time to reflect or to let your mind wander. Both actions are equally important to your well-being. Ideally do both.
As we fully step into the holiday spirit of joy and peace, here’s a question to reflect on: What’s one thing you can do this year to avoid being stressed out about the holiday season and beyond?
+ Image by Agata from Pixabay
