<p>As you move into the holiday season that starts with Thanksgiving and ends with New Years you have lots of choices. The holidays provide an opportunity to focus on things like being thankful, joy, peace, good will toward men, re-dedication, worship, and resolutions. It is a time to focus on family, community and culture. But for many this time of year brings a lot of stress as well. Maybe in the form of too much shopping, not knowing what to buy loved ones, over eating, loneliness, sadness, stressful travel, and possibly stressful situations with family members. How can you maneuver through the next 5 weeks with relative ease? Here are some tips:</p> <p><strong>1) Be prepared.</strong> Having a good plan can help you to feel like you are in control. When people feel in control they are more likely to feel hopeful and optimistic than people that feel powerless. A good plan can be simply a list of to-do's but it can also be thinking about how you can better handle stressful situations. It's easier to react poorly when you feel caught off guard. So for those situations that seem to come up year after year that you may be feeling anxious about already, come up with a plan. Imagine how you can get through the situation with more ease and grace. Let's say you know Aunt Betty is going to bring up a certain topic that makes you feel uncomfortable. Can you respond differently this year? Maybe just a little smile and giving her a hug as you walk out of the room to check on the turkey or go to the restroom? It's very empowering to not respond to negativity. So do what you can to be loving to others and loving to yourself. Or lets say you know you will over eat day after day and be disgusted with yourself on January 1st. Come up with a plan and for the most part, stick to it. Have a few indulgences of course! But if it is important to you then make that your focus so you can feel good about yourself.</p> <p><strong>2) It's your choice.</strong> Even when those situations catch you off guard you still have a choice. You can react immediately based on the emotion you are feeling. If you do you may have some regrets later. So instead take a few deep breathes and take a moment to think. Then act with intention. Reminder -- an action can be walking away or not responding. If you do it feeling no strong negative emotion (that's also where the deep breathes will help because it will calm you down) it can be very rewarding and can set a nice tone for others.</p> <p><strong>3) Don't let the holiday hype get you down.</strong> Advertising makes us believe we should be happy, and surrounded by loving family and nice things. This isn't always reality, especially if you have recently experienced a big change in your life (at home, at work, with your finances, with your health or the health of a loved one, or with a relationship). Therefore this time of year can be especially difficult. Remember -- the advertisements are to get you to buy something. And since they know you do not need the product, they are trying to sell you a feeling that they know you do want. You don't have to buy it (the product or the sales pitch). Do what you can to feel better about your self and your life. If you are lonely, or feeling unloved or not needed, then be around people. How? Consider volunteering for a few hours. By being loving and helping the truly needy and lonely, you will see how blessed your life really is. And it can be fun to be around others and meet new people. Plus getting out of the house and exerting energy while you work will get you out of your head which can be very refreshing.</p> <p><strong>4) Take care of yourself.</strong> What do you want to look like and feel like as you ring in the New Year? Your actions now will allow you to be that person then. Take the necessary steps now so you don't have to make it a New Years Resolution. Try life coaching or read books and articles to help you keep your focus on what you do want. Take a yoga class to relax. Go to the gym or a nice walk in the fresh air for some exercise. Get a massage to loosen up those tight muscles. Go to a movie. Plan a party instead of waiting to be invited to one.</p> <p><strong>5) Lighten up.</strong> Yes you will make mistakes. Forgive yourself, and others and move on. Don't focus on stress, drama, sadness, anger or what you do not have in life. If you do then that is exactly the gift you will be giving yourself. Instead set your intentions on positive things. Be grateful, joyful, peaceful, and loving. You get what you think about. If you feel good you are more inclined to enjoy yourself which will then make room for others to do so as well.</p> <p>Every thought triggers and emotion. So think about great things and enjoy your holidays. I hope they will bring all you seek and more. Happy holidays!</p> 2008-11-25T17:56:29Z -14.7824 253 2331 true 12 21089 5-weeks-till-new-years-and-5-survival-tips 0 2008-11-30T18:13:25Z 2008-11-30T18:13:25Z

The holidays can be stressful which can lead to poor outcomes. Learn how to make the most out of your holiday season and move into the New Year with confidence.

0 2009-02-24T09:47:24Z