Along
with the holidays come many extra activities such as parties, shopping, gift gifting,
cooking and more. Stretching ourselves to meet the increased demands on our time,
energy, emotions and finances can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed rather
than joyous and enthusiastic. There is nothing like the holidays to distract us
from our good habits and healthy personal care routine; they almost always get
in the way of our best intentions.
While you may love the holidays, you
may easily and quickly find yourself over-extended with obligations, commitments
and expectations for creating a magical holiday. How about being more more intentional
about giving to yourself, as well as giving to others, in order to find a balance
that allows you to be less stressed and truly enjoy the season? By regularly scheduling
time for yourself, to unwind, to exercise, to rest and rejuvenate, you will feel
much better and enjoy the holidays more. Have you taken a moment to think about
the gift you will give yourself for the holiday season? Why not give yourself
the give of self-care?
Below are four tips to help you have a more enjoyable
holiday season:
1. MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Set realistic expectations.
Give yourself permission to let go of trying to be superhuman in order to create
a perfect holiday. Be patient with yourself and do the best you can, trusting
that the holiday will be perfect however it turns out. Ask yourself: Do I have
reasonable expectations for the holidays?
2. SCHEDULE TIME FOR YOURSELF.
Self-care is not the result of good intentions, but rather the result of being
intentional about setting aside time each day to care for yourself. Especially
during this busy season it is important to schedule time, even if only 5-10 minutes,
to refresh and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. Ask yourself: Have I scheduled
time for myself today? What will I do to care for myself?
3. ENJOY THE
HOLIDAYS. The added stress of the holidays can detract from the enjoyment if you
are constantly chasing a schedule, stretching your budget to the max with gift
giving and extra purchases, feeling exhausted, impatient or frustrated. Remember
the spirit of the season and truly enjoy the holidays. Ask yourself: Am I enjoying
the holidays? If not, what is one thing I can do to make sure that I do?
4.
GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT. While the holidays are a time to be generous, give gifts
and do nice things for others, they are also a time to indulge yourself. What
gift would be most meaningful for you? Perhaps taking time for a manicure or massage,
a round of golf, pursuing an interest by enrolling in a class, making plans for
a vacation that youve wanted to take - something to make you feel pampered and
cared for. Ask yourself: What gift will I give myself?
HOLIDAY FUN
FUN
HOLIDAY MOVIES... Babes in Toyland The Christmas Gift Home Alone Home for the
Holidays Jingle All the Way The Night Before Christmas Prancer Santa Claus Scrooged
A Christmas Carol Holiday Affair Home Alone 2 Its a Wonderful Life Miracle on
34th Street The Nutcracker The Preachers Wife Scrooge White Christmas FUN HOLIDAY
MUSIC... Harry for the Holidays by Harry Connick, Jr. Christmas with the Rat Pack
The Ultimate Classical Christmas Album of All Time White Christmas by Elvis Presley.
Putumayo
Presents: Christmas Around the World Feliz Navidad by Jos Feliciano "Imagine every
day is a holiday. do one little thing that stimulates this holiday mood each day,
then watch your worries fade away." ~ Paul Wilson
Copyright 2004 Pat Morgan.
Reprintable when full credit is given.
Pat
Morgan, Professional Coach & MBA at Smooth Sailing Business & Personal
Coaching works with professionals helping them be more profitable and productive
by capitalizing on their strengths and taking action to create positive results.
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