7 Tips to Beat Holiday Stress & Create a New You!
Hypnosis is the easiest way to overcome stress in any circumstance. So it stands to reason using a little self-hypnosis is a great way to navigate the hustle bustle of the holiday season.
What is Hypnosis? Hypnosis is a quiet state of mind and body that will help you tone down busy thoughts and negative mind chatter.
During the relaxed state of hypnosis you have the opportunity to drop in thoughts of gratitude, or a powerful affirmation to keep your mind focused on joy and help you feel better and more in control of your emotions. You may also use this quiet, focused mind-set to make positive changes or create motivation.
The quickest way to use self-hypnosis to neutralize stress is by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the present moment. Look around you, observe the beauty in the small details of life.
No matter how you celebrate, or even if you don’t, you can feel the hyped up energy in the air. Advertisers and media are constantly sending out messages to buy, buy, buy and push our emotional buttons, which activates our ego selves and perpetuates the inner self talk, which says things like: “I’m not good enough.” “I have to find the perfect gift so I feel worthy.”
It’s this kind of thinking and belief structure, perpetuated by media advertising, which keeps us striving to spend more, try to keep up with the proverbial Jones’s and live up to some kind of perfection to feel good about ourselves. Bah Humbug! I say!
For those of us who do celebrate and want to acknowledge all the wonderful people in our lives, attend office parties and drop by at friends and neighbors, this time of year can add on the challenge of getting everything done, on top of our already busy schedules. The pressure can be palpable and I say…STOP!!! Don’t buy into the madness…it’s more important to take very good care of yourself.
It can be difficult to find time for relaxation and self-care. Ever feel like that?
Finding time to recharge your energy, quiet your mind and even exercise is the best way to manage holiday stress and you may actually find you get more done in less time. I Love that!
Here are my 7 Tips to Make this the best season ever.
Hypnosis ~ a wonderful way to quiet your mind and drop in some positive new thoughts that are empowering and positive. It’s as easy as taking a few deep breaths, becoming fully present with your breath and your center, then drop in an affirmation, such as “I am always calm and balanced and I get more done in less time.” Or, I am in the flow of the Universe and always in the right place at the right time.” Affirmations used during hypnosis help to create new thought patterns and beliefs.
Exercise ~ Make sure you get in 30 minutes of stretching, cardio or even weight lifting each day…releases endorphins, burns off excess energy from your nervous system and helps you feel more energized and relaxed during the busy~ness.
Watch the Sugar and Cut back on your coffee and alcohol intake. Stimulants like coffee and depressants such as alcohol add more stress to your nervous system and make it difficult to recharge during sleep and rest times. Coffee and alcohol both create an energy of busy thinking, the sort of thoughts that go no~where and leave you feel exhausted. Sugar is every where this time of year and it is really easy to over indulge. Sugar zaps your energy, causes your blood sugar to rocket up and down and for some, making it difficult to manage your emotions.
Drink Water ~ Hydrating your system is just as important during these cold weeks as it is during the hot summer. When we’re so busy at work, trying to finish projects, shopping, cooking, parties, decorating, it’s easy to forget to hydrate. So be sure to drink plenty of water. I suggest keeping a large, ½ gallon size bottle of filtered or electrolyte water near you at all times and make a point to finish it off before you leave your office each day. You’ll know for sure you remembered to drink enough water. If you’re in a really cold environment, drink 2.
Make a list ~Sit down and write down everyone you feel you need to buy for or acknowledge in some way. Write down your budget and be honest with yourself. Categorize and prioritize. For some of your friends, loved ones or office partners, a sweet hand-written card and a small holiday token or ornament may be perfect, while a more expensive gift is for that special someone in your life or your kids.
Tip from my Baby Sitter ~ Plan your shopping trips during off times, like 6pm when everyone’s home eating dinner or when stores open early. This is a tip I learned from my kid’s baby sitter. She would rush out right after work, around 6pm to do her holiday shopping. I asked her why and she said everyone’s home eating dinner. She was right!
Put Your Health and Well-Being First ~ When you feel good, you handle things better. Remember the reason for the season. Regardless what spiritual tradition you follow, this time of year is for remembering what’s important, reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, spending quality time with loved-ones and expressing gratitude for our abundance. Take a few moments while practicing your self-hypnosis to reflect on the special little things in life you are truly grateful for. It could be as simple as a bed to sleep in, your eyes to see, the love of your friend or favorite pet. Gratitude is powerful!
BONUS: Do something different this year…Serve Others! A great tradition for the holiday season is to serve others who are less fortunate or on hard times. Instead of over indulging in food and spending too much money on gifts and such, instead, take your family to the homeless shelter to serve food, donate warm clothes and necessities or even tell an inspirational holiday story or sing some Christmas Carols to the elderly who are stuck in a care home.
You can renew your energy by giving to others and taking great care of yourself. Staying positive sets a wonderful example to everyone around you. The season is not about how much you spend, or how beautiful or perfect your house is, it’s about being with the ones you love and enjoy being with. It’s about, caring for others who are less fortunate than you or who don’t have any family to spend time with. Your kindness could be the difference in their life this holiday season.
Wishing You and Yours a Very Happy Holiday Season.
Love and Light,
Suzie Bowers, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist & Soul-Discovery CoachTM, Author, Publisher, Mom
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