We get so many “Holiday Tip” emails through our in-boxes at this time of year, so I wanted to pull together a short list of my top 5 Holiday tips that will help to keep you happy and sane over the next few days – and more importantly have you motoring toward the New Year with a smile on your face.
- Lower Your Expectations: This is the most important tip because most of the unhappiness and resentment I hear is from friends who seem to expect different or better behavior from friends/family – and I mean different to what they’ve experienced in past. It’s insane to think that Auntie Sue, who talks about herself non-stop, is suddenly going to take an interest in you – she’s NOT (never has done and never will). It’s just as insane to think that my Mom won’t get in a tizzy over Christmas dinner, or that cousin will actually show up with a gift (when he never has done). The key to your peace of mind is to expect nothing (or at least the very least), and then you can only be pleasantly surprised.
- Eat Less Sugar: Sugar creeps into our mouths at this time of year like no other. All those Holiday cookies, candies and treats take their toll. Before you grab a handful at the next office party or Holiday gathering, CONSIDER HOW YOU ARE GOING TO FEEL AFTER YOU’VE EATEN IT! This is the key, and if you know you’ll feel icky, make yourself a big hot mug of hibiscus tea (with honey) instead, and you’ll feel wonderful.
- Be Present: With all the hurly burly and chaos of the Holidays, we often forget to kick back and really be in the moment with our friends and family. Even if you don’t get along with all of your family, I’m sure there are family members that you really love. Take the time to sit with them without your phone in your hand, and be present. Being present for your friends and family, as in listening to them, is one of the kindest gifts you can give.
- Exercise More: It seems obvious, but when we are rushed with all the festivities, our normal exercise routine can take a back seat. This is not the time of year to let this go. It’s actually the time of year to ramp it up because likely you will be eating and sitting around more. The sure way to shake off the cobwebs and get the feel-good chemicals racing around your brain, is to pull on your running shoes and do at least 40 minutes heart-pumping exercise – and a little yoga wouldn’t hurt either.
- Be of Service: For some reason I always think about the St. Francis of Assisi prayer around the Holidays: “Lord, make me a instrument of thy peace”. Whether you are Christian, or not, this is a wonderful prayer for making sure that I start my day in good head space. Instead of thinking about me and how others are or aren’t making me happy, I can turn it around with prayer and meditation, and realize that I am on this planet to be of use and service to others – that is my purpose, and December 25th is a great day to practice peace.
