10 Ways to Refresh Yourself During the Holiday Rush

We get so busy during the holidays sometimes we don’t have time for ourselves.  I notice that when that happens to me I get cranky and resentful.  Here is a list of what I do to refresh myself during the day as I rush to complete all my work and pre-holiday tasks.

Take 5 minutes each day and give yourself a gift.

1. Dim the lights and close your eyes. Sit in silence.  If you are at work and have a private office, try this website for a 5-minute meditation to reduce anxiety.  The video on this is mesmerizing to me and the voice is soothing.
2. Take some deep breaths. Some people when they are anxious actually forget to break.  The first step then is to take some regular breaths and then to try some deep breaths to calm yourself.
3. Quietly sip a cup of tea or another warm beverage. (If you are in a place that is warm this time of year, you may want a cold drink but I find hot tea particularly soothing any time of year.) I love to do this while I watch the birds at my bird feeder. It is a special treat when I see the two cardinals that frequent my feeder.
4. Work on a cross word puzzle or any game you enjoy. I like word puzzles. I had a friend who liked to play Tetris (computer game) and found it relaxing and fun to take a Tetris break.  (Careful it is just 10 or 15 minutes.  It is easy to get caught up in the game and forget to get back to your tasks!  Whoops!  ?
5. Write in a journal or on a piece of paper. Not everyone finds writing relaxing but often I find it therapeutic. If I am feeling anxious and not sure why, this is what I would do. Writing just stream of consciousness often allows me to uncover what is bothering me.
6. Listen to music. Not all music relaxes me but soft lyrical music can be very soothing.  I love show tunes.  You can go to the Playbill site for calming Broadway music.  Check Google for meditation music in the genre you enjoy.
7. Read something inspiring. (I like the short pieces in Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.) You can purchase this book from Amazon by clicking on the title.
8. Make music. Play a musical instrument or just put on your favorite CD or radio station and sing.  I’ll be the one singing show tunes!!
9. Relaxing in water. Pampering yourself with a warm bath can be very relaxing. Several years ago I received a newsletter in which the writer recommended bubble baths to relax.  That sounds really relaxing!  I’m more of a shower person myself and I find showers calming.
10. Take a walk. Any kind of exercise is great but for me walking is best.  I can take a short walk and come back refreshed.  If you ride a bike or like to run, that would work too.  You can take as much or as little time as you want.

You don’t have to save these just for holidays.  Use them whenever life gets to you!

Reduce your stress long term

If you find you get stressed year-round and want to find the source, a coach can help.  If you worry about being stressed you will increase your stress.  Get to the source of your stress and then find ways to alleviate the stress long term.  If you want a relatively stress free 2018, call me at 781-598-0388 or email me at asparker@asparker.com