Thoughts on Yoga
Twelve Ways to Happier Holidays
2006-12-12
As the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." And yet...
A lot of people feel down at this time of year. Family issues, increased spending, loss of familiar routines, lack of sleep and exercise, and poor diet are all stress triggers for many people.
Here are some ways to keep your balance:
1: Don't try to lose weight right now. Just try not to gain. Don't skip meals. Enjoy delicious treats in small portions. The most satisfaction is gained in the first few bites.
2: Think quality, not quantity. Spend a little time to make a short list of the few activities/traditions that mean the most to you. Schedule time for those and let go of as much of the rest as you can.
3: If you are subject to the Holiday blues, consider not drinking alcohol, which is a depressant. If you are anxious much of the time, consider not drinking coffee.
4: Repeat this mantra over and over: Focus on people, not things.
5: Over the next two weeks, resolve to call and talk with friends and loved ones you won't be seeing this year. You will feel better knowing your relationships are up-to-date.
6: Make it about anything except the gifts. Stuff is never as exciting as fun, love, warmth, nourishment, celebration, peace, and hope. Ten years from now no one will remember what gifts they got, but everyone will remember the singing, game-playing, story-telling, decorating, creative projects, and delicious food enjoyed in good company.
7: Start a new tradition that best reflects your deepest values and wishes for the season. Find the perfect person(s) who will appreciate it and share it with them.
8: Make space for your loved ones to be less than fabulous. Make few demands on others; they are under stress too. Instead, you can live from your best self by being a source of love and support to others.
9: Be a peacemaker in your family.
10: Express appreciation for the service given to you, including and especially waitstaff, clerks, tellers, receptionists, toll-takers, and telephone customer service reps.
11: Give yourself the gift of a scheduled mini-retreat BEFORE Christmas. You will most likely prevent a serious fight with someone you love if you take some time to refill your love cup. Massage therapists and yoga teachers are standing by to serve you. Before you get overwhelmed, go get a massage and go to a yoga class.
12: Most important of all, LET GO OF PERFECTIONISM. There are no perfect gifts; no perfect holidays; no perfect anything. Life will never conform to your ideal. Perfectionism will always let you down. Appreciation will always lift you up. At any moment, you can choose to appreciate.