I was watching a recorded discussion of "Forced Merriment" on the Huffington Post Live today and thought of you. (Full video embedded below.) Are you genuinely happy during the holidays? For some it can feel like we are embarking on The Most *Difficult* Time of the Year.
The holidays are fast approaching and now's the time to be proactive about building up your mental and spiritual health in preparation for them. Don't wait until you're having a panic attack - turkey baster in hand - to consider starting some anti-stress habits and exercises.
Here are a 3 tips to get you started building your anti-stress habits for the holidays:
Anti-Stress Habits for the Holidays:
1. Be Kind to Yourself, First. What does this mean? I know I say this all the time in class and in sessions, but it essentially boils down to this: Practice Non-Judgement - Refuse to be Perfect, Choose to be Honest. Somewhere along the line we have adopted this crazy notion that being perfect is an acceptable and attainable goal, and that once we achieve perfection, we can finally be happy and it will make everyone finally approve of and respect us. Well I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you'll never be perfect. Instead, be Honest about how you feel and what you care about, no matter how messy or awkward it gets, and no matter who is visiting for dinner. Honesty and Authenticity command respect naturally, and if you've decided that you're here to live your most authentic life - in order to do that to the fullest - you'll have to actively practice Honesty. So start now.
2. Meditate. The AMA recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day to maintain your physical health, however what are you doing daily to fortify your mental health? A healthy, nonreactive mindset raises your quality of life dramatically, but it can only be cultivated over time - similar to effective weight loss and maintenance: as you consistently exercise each day the big results begin to show and stick. Regular meditation builds a relaxation reflex that keeps you calm and less emotionally reactive throughout each day, which can prove invaluable when your overbearing sister-in-law starts getting on your nerves over Thanksgiving Dinner. Can't seem to meditate? I have live individual and group meditation options for you, as well as recorded meditations that you can enjoy on your own time.
3. Make Yourself Laugh, Often. They say laughter is good for your health, but why wait for something funny to happen to laugh? If you tend to have road rage while traveling or find yourself making yourself more and more anxious when you even think about seeing the family over Christmas / Hanukkah vacation, chances are you are missing out on a good laugh. Whenever you feel pissed or anxious, try to remember one of the funniest things that ever happened to you, or one of the funniest comedy routines or movies you ever saw, and begin to relive it. Allow yourself some time to laugh like a total idiot - don't worry about what others think; this one's for you and only you. Laugh when people cut you off in traffic, and think of something funny when you feel anxious - but never laugh to belittle yourself. Humor should raise your vibration and genuinely elevate you out of a rotten mood, rather than glaze over or hide your problems.
For more ideas, check out this panel discussion of "Forced Merriment" - I loved it!
What did you think of the video? Has any of that happened to you, too?
Comment below!
Ready to take your life to the next level? Call 732.903.8573 and let's get started building your authentic life right now!
Love and light,
Victoria <3