Holiday Help

We all know the holiday season can be stressful. This is why taking care of yourself is so important during these next few months. Unfortunately with the giving atmosphere around us, we often forget to give to ourselves. This topic came to me while getting a Simek’s monthly Monday massage in the office! I’m so fortunate to have a job that reminds me to take a time out. So here is my reminder to you to break away from every day stress and make sure you plan your own monthly Monday massage or whatever it may be!

Good Housekeeping gives us many great tips on how to relieve stress in this article but here are just a few of the many great tips!

Bless Their Hearts
Hot temperatures got your temper flaring? Next time an aggressive driver cuts you off, or a co-worker sends a snippy email, or you trip over your teenager's skateboard, try saying this small phrase: bless their heart. It's a short and simple reminder that the person you're angry with is human and could probably stand a little forgiveness. It also benefits you by deflating your anger and boosting your compassion. Not bad for three little words, huh?

Sea Salt Bath
Recover from the holidays with an easy detox: Add a cup of sea salt to a warm bath and soak. The salt draws impurities out of the skin. To make it even more rejuvenating, sprinkle a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the water and light some candles. Be sure to turn off the phone, because having to jump out of the tub and run dripping across the room is definitely not relaxing.

Discovery Health provides 8 ways to beat stress in this article but here are two of the eight ways that could cater to your holiday needs:

Reconnecting with stillness is an important component of health
Every day, devote a little time to take yourself out of the "busyness" game. First, eliminate all forms of intrusion. Then close your eyes, breathe deeply and let your thoughts float downstream like a log carried by the river. You can practice meditation or relax in a hot bath with aromatherapy. When a thought comes up, just watch it float away.

Pursue your passion
Activities that absorb you completely will slow your brain waves and put you into that "zone" in which internal chatter is stilled. It could be bird-watching, cooking, hiking, biking or riding, painting, writing, sewing, gardening, photography, working with animals. Physical movement is important—it opens the chest, lifts your mood, curbs food cravings and lowers blood pressure. You'll also sleep better at night.

As this webmd.com article suggests it is not healthy to try to plan the perfect gift or the perfect holiday party. Overestimate your time and make sure whatever you imagine your holiday to be that it is practical and not a fantasy.

Now that you have the tips and suggestions for this upcoming busy season start your “taking time out” routine now and make sure you stick to this throughout the holidays. This will not only help you out but everyone around you. So whether it is drawing yourself a salt water bath, pursuing your passion or standing still for a moment just don’t forget what the holidays are all about!