How to THRIVE during the Holidays: 8 Tips for (Mental) Health & Happiness
By Meghan McChesney Gilroy
- Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Thanksgiving. Christmas. Hanukkah. November through December.
What do those words trigger in you?
My guess is some combination of stress and joy, dread and delight. For many years, I loved the excitement of December only to collapse come January. Gatherings with friends and family was both fun – and often left me feeling rundown. I enjoyed buying, wrapping, even making cards and presents only to find myself staying up too late and spending beyond my budget. Sound familiar?
So how can we approach the holidays with awareness? How can we not just survive, but THRIVE during the festivities?Here’s a few tips, I’ve gleaned over the years:
1. What does your heart desire this holiday season? Take a few minutes to pause, close your eyes, and check in with the emotional quality that you’d like to foster throughout this month. Perhaps it’s joy, goodwill, creativity, or connecting with family. Allow the sensation to wash over you. Take a snapshot of what this feels like. Write down your intent for these next 30 days and post it where you can see it. Then look at it daily.
2. Peace on Earth starts with peace within you. Can you spare 5 minutes? 5 breaths? Make time each day, even if it’s only for a few minutes to foster the feeling your heart desires. Everyone around you will thank you for your good vibes. Most of all you’ll feel good!
3. Remember others in need. When we extend beyond our own preoccupations, whether it’s how much money we have (or don’t have) or how much time we have (or don’t have) to complete our to do list, we can gain perspective. Gratitude for what we do have is a great present to ourselves. Volunteer if you have time. Donate to a worthy cause if you have money. When we reach out to others, we foster a sense of connection. T’is the season to give what we can – and not just to our immediate families and friends.
4. Presents & cards. How could you give presents/send cards in a way that feels good to you? I don’t like malls, so I walk around town and shop at our local stores, buy online, or make presents. I used to make elaborate one-of-a-kind cards and gifts, then I had a baby – and realized that stressing out over lovingly crafted handmade gifts wasn’t so heart-centered after all. Play with what feels right. If you are feeling stressed over gifts or cards, it’s your body’s way of saying, “Is there another more pleasurable way to do this?”
5. Visit an alien planet. At some point this month, I’ll bet you have an obligation to entertain or interact with people that can push your buttons. Could be when you’re visiting family, going to an office holiday party, or connecting with your husband’s/wife’s/other friends. Pretend like you are a visitor on an alien planet. Instead of taking their customs personally (no matter how bizarre they might be), simply notice how they live, what they like/dislike, how they communicate with a sense of curiosity. Oh, so that’s how they ____ here! And don’t forget to thank god that you’ll be travelling home soon.
6. How good does it really feel to be completely stuffed after a holiday meal? In my experience, not so good. When a table laden with delicious food appears in front of us, we are tempted to eat more than normal. Why do that to your body? Eat in moderation. Save some for leftovers. Take pleasure if what you do put in your mouth. Enjoy (just not too much!)
7. Think back to your favorite holiday memories. Are they about gifts you received or a special tradition or time with your family? My strongest holiday memory is tied to my grandmother making cookies. How can you spend quality time with your family, your self, or your friends? Last year, one of my students realized that they couldn’t afford their typical tons of presents under the tree. So instead of asking her children to write a “what we want for Christmas” list, she asked them to write a “what we’d like to do as a family list.” The kids asked for sledding, making hot chocolate and cookies, and decorating the house to the nines. She turned a potential “lack” into an “abundance.” Her family had their favorite Christmas ever.
8. What gift can you give yourself? What would be the best gift you could possibly give to yourself this year? Could you splurge on taking extra good care of yourself by taking more baths, getting a massage, or spending time meditating? How about splurging on a gift that you normally wouldn’t treat yourself to? This holiday, invite yourself to take care of YOU in whatever way feels right to your heart. If each of us takes responsibility for how we are feeling this year, what energy we contribute through our thoughts, words, emotions, and actions, and how much love we spread around, it will be a very merry holiday indeed.
Happy Holidays! May the light that you are shine brightly!
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