Wednesday, December 4, 2013

How to maintain your sanity during the Holidays...




It is that time of the year. 

We want to enjoy the season with all of its bells and whistles, yet find ourselves worn thin by keeping up our work schedule, trying to spend quality time with family and making time for our friends. However, we soon realize that time is flying by and we feel trapped.

Trapped by that endless list of things to do and commitments we made months ago that we may not be as excited about as when we made them (what were we thinking when we said yes in the 1st place??)

So, in light of all of this, here are a few tips to keep your sanity:


  • Make time for yourself. Whatever that may be: a walk on the beach, an hour at the gym, coffee with a friend, a long shower, a nice bath (see above) or simply reading a book, quietly.

  • Remind yourself to take a few deep breaths and let go of all your tensions. When you wake up, think of all of the good things that lay ahead of you before starting to get overwhelmed by all the things that are a burden. Breathe in and out deeply a few times and smile. Smiling will give you more energy by creating a positive mind frame.  Before you go to sleep, get into a comfortable position, slacken you jaw, relax your forehead, close your eyes and breathe in deeply. Put your hands on top of each other over your belly button and do some deep belly breathing for a few minutes.

  • Get enough sleep. No sleep = grumpy = I don't care = bad food & drink behaviors = grumpy

  • Stay hydrated. No one says you shouldn't enjoy that irresistible cocktail or glass of wine, but make sure you drink plenty of water along side it, and before you go to bed or you'll wake up in the middle of the night. Maybe not you 20 year olds out there, but for the rest of us. Yes, alcohol has a tendency to wake you up even if you fall asleep before your head hits the pillow.

  • Try to exercise regularly

  • Eat well so that when you don't, you don't feel as bad. 

  • Get a massage or some acupuncture to relax you....

  • Remember that you too - matter... If you lose it, those around you will bear the brunt of it.  So, learn to delegate and prioritize. What really matters? Will your life or that of someone else's be that much better off or worse off if you don't do something?

  • Give thanks - to yourself,  for a job well done and all that you've accomplished to make the life of those around you better. And give thanks for all that you have. We are luckier than most.

  • And last but not least: Have some fun !