As we move toward one of the biggest holidays on the calendar, we may be feeling anything but peaceful. We’re trying to close final deals for 2018 and finish up work projects while fitting in time for all of the obligatory traditions; not to mention the shopping.
In this week’s blog, I want to encourage all of us to look for something far better than sparkling packages under the tree. Peace. How to find it. Practice it. And carry it with us into the New Year.
The parties. The shopping. The kids’ school holiday concerts. The In-laws. Part of it we enjoy; but at the same time I struggle with it all as I try to maintain my sanity and have a sense of enjoyment.
Consumer Reports conducted research about holiday stress and they found that 90% of Americans suffer from at least one stress-related issue during the holiday season. That statistic is staggering, but not surprising considering our never ending lists of responsibilities.
So how can we decrease the stress and increase the peace?
Take time to sit still next to your fireplace, in your family room or anywhere that brings you joy. Studies show that spending quiet time by yourself helps regulate stress levels. If you don’t celebrate anything, that’s cool, light a few candles and sit quietly reflecting on 2018.
Read for enjoyment. If you are an avid reader of books for the purpose of stretching yourself, step away from those genres and pick up a good read that will give your brain a break unrelated to work. I just finished reading “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck” by Mark Manson–funny and liberating.
Quit electronics two hours before going to bed. Yep, that includes, TV, laptops, desktops social media, radio, texting, microwaving. Aside from the benefits of not being exposed to social media bullshit, you’ll wake up feeling way more rested. We spend hours a day staring at a screen doing our work, and cutting down on electronics will change your life. For me it’s been better sleep, less headaches and waking up earlier. Try it for the season and thank me later.
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” —Dalai Lama
Wrap up your projects at work now and take an extra day off. We all feel work-related pressures, but even one day away can lend to increased perspective and energy levels for when you return. Take a day off!
Take it all in. Sometimes the best way to find peace is to surround yourself with the sights, sounds and smells of all that is the Holidays. Take a mental snapshot of those moments that are most important and tuck it away for a memory that will matter long after the moment.
Before we know it, the season will be over and we will be back to the daily grind of life. Take time this season to find peace and live it even for just a few minutes a day.
Happy holidays to you and yours.
p.s This time of year is the best time to think about working with a coach to help you create a solid plan for 2019. If coaching is the next step for you to move forward in the New Year–let’s chat. Send me a quick note and let’s have a conversation;. http://maricarmenpizarro.com/contact-mari-carmen/
