3 things you can do to make your holiday a little easier
If you follow me on?social media, you’ve joined me for the 31 Days of Letting Go Challenge. We’ve been talking a lot about how important it is to let go of habits that may no longer serve you. The habits you adopt can be just as important.
We are entering the holiday season, and as magical as it can be, the holidays can also be a source of stress.
Remember to give yourself and others grace, practice self-compassion and kindness, and try these three habits to make your life just a little bit easier:
1. Ask yourself why
If you celebrate Thanksgiving, it is a great opportunity to share gratitude with the people in your life. It gives both you and the person on the receiving end a boost of happy hormones. When you think of something that brings you joy and gratitude, ask yourself, “Why am I grateful?” This helps you internalize it, which embeds the habit into your brain. This trains you to look for what’s right and offsets your brain’s?negativity bias. Make a conscious effort to communicate gratitude to others.
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2. Make today easier
Want to make your life easier? Ask yourself this question:?What can I do to make today a little easier?
Take something off your to-do list or add something that brings you joy, watch a funny video, call a friend, or take a short nap. There are a million things you can do to make your day and life better. This is one of my favorite ways to bring more joy into my life.
3. Listen to your body
Tap into the power of your nervous system and recognize how you’re feeling. Your body will tell you what to do. Recognize and name your emotions and pay attention to sensations, thoughts, and tension in your body. This brings you back to the present moment and is the basis for mindfulness. Any time you feel yourself getting stressed or overwhelmed, breathe deeply. Remember, your feelings and thoughts are not facts. They are just information for your nervous system.
When we are stressed or overwhelmed, we take shallow breaths, and this deprives your brain of the oxygen it needs to think clearly. Reset your nervous system by taking three deep belly breaths, making the exhale longer than the inhale. This stimulates the calming response.
Remember to focus on the delicious moments, celebrate what’s most important, and be kind to yourself.