It’s that time of the year again, time for the annual holiday festivities. As we get closer and closer to the end of the year, you may notice a lot more hustle and bustle in your local retail shop, more traffic – and hectic last minute shoppers ready to tackle anyone getting in the way of the last Yoda figurine on the shelf. Instead of letting the holidays run you ragged, try these four tips to help you stay stress-free:
1. Take a Breath
You have to remember the real reason you’re buying gifts, rushing to buy egg nog at the last minute, or dashing through the snow. Take a breath and think about the ‘reason for the season’. Taking a minute or two and focusing on your breathing is a great relaxation process and might stop you from getting ‘holiday fever’
2. Think about the Big Picture
You don’t need the perfect gift, everything doesn’t need to be exactly as you planned, and you might be able to avoid a family feud this holiday season. Remember why you’re getting together in the first place (and it’s not for a new easy-bake oven). The holidays are a great time to get together with your loved ones and be thankful, which is really something you should strive to do all year.
3. Slow Down
There’s no need to be going fifteen miles a minute, multi-tasking four or five things, and running around like someone has lit you on fire. Slow down! Time flies by faster than you know it, and slowing down and living in the moment will do wonders. It’s also a good time to take a breath and think about the big picture!
4. Put Yourself in Their Shoes
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the materialistic, me-first way of thinking around the holidays. Don’t go down that road – instead try to think about where other people are coming from. We all have bad days, bad things happen to us, and we make mistakes. All of us. So before you hip-check an old lady into an end-cap for the last holiday ham, try to put yourself in her soft steppers.
BONUS!
Try to give more than you receive. All the Pokemon cards in the world couldn’t take the place of friends!
Until Next Time,
Tom Zobel