Christmas is just days away. Yep, it is almost here looming large as a real line in the sand with everyone pushing to get things done by that date. Things can get very overwhelming with presents to buy, parties to attend, food to buy and a household to organise. Most of us enter this time of year with some expectations about “how” we want Christmas to roll out and as a result, can easily set ourselves up for failure. To assist you to manage any overwhelm and expectations, I want to share with you my Wise Tips for the Christmas Season
Wise Tip 1
Stop Complaining: Start noticing what is going right and celebrate that rather than noticing what is going wrong and complaining. Keep looking because the many small things that are going right may be harder for you to find. They will be there!
Wise Tip 2
Instead of pleasing others all the time, please yourself: Take time out to do things that you enjoy, that are for you and nurture you, especially if you are on holidays. Book a massage. Catch up for coffee with someone you enjoy spending time with. Go for a swim. Find a quiet spot and read a book or magazine. Whatever you need in between taking time to assist others to meet their needs. Move slower. Rush less. Relax!
Wise Tip 3
Limit comparing yourself with others: Instead of noticing what you don’t have yet that others do have, use that energy to fire up your goals and take action! Measure yourself against your own progress and celebrate your successes. Treat yourself with respect and with love, acknowledging the things that make you unique.
Wise Tip 4
Be kind to others, and then be kind to yourself: Notice what you can do to show compassion and kindness to others. Remember to also be kind to yourself and give yourself a break as well. Treat yourself as if you are your oldest friend – because in fact, you are!
Wise Tip 5
Give yourself permission to be all that you can be in that moment: Some days you are magnificent and other days you will be ordinary. Give yourself permission to go with that, acknowledge where you are and make the best of it because tomorrow is a new day.
Wise Tip 6
Change your environment – even for a short time: Put some space between yourself and the issue to give yourself time to think or time to not think and just chill. Take time out in a different part of the building or by going outside and breathing in fresh air. Changing your focus, even for a short time, gives space for you to gather your thoughts and process what is happening. To respond rather than react.
Extra Wise Tips for Managing Christmas
- Get regular sleep
- Listen to your most favourite music – up loud – and dance around. Get others dancing with you.
- Stretch your body out, move it and use it. Go for a walk or a run. Shake the negative energy out of your arms.
- Punch a pillow with lots of energy. Scream silently as you do it to get the negative emotions out.
- Focus on your surroundings noticing the colours, listening to the birds and other sounds. Focus so deeply for 10 – 15 seconds at a time and block other things around you out.
- Be open to what is going on around you – let go of your expectation that things will be ideal and accept what is.
- Have a wonderful festive break and take time out for you, spending it with people you enjoy sharing many great conversations, lots of laughter and glorious food.
Beth xx
There are many different ways that you can work with me including my Deliberate Re-Set program, one on one coaching packages and team coaching. Drop me a note if you would like more information. xx