As the holidays approach, this can be a time where many emotions are felt. There can be a mix of everything ranging from joy, excitement, anticipation to feeling busy, overwhelmed with added pressure. Whether good or not so good, this spells Stress!
Outside of special holiday time, often we can feel stress manifest when we carry over yesterday’s concerns into our present day concerns. With the holidays, even though they can be a magical time, this accumulation will almost always end up in experiencing higher levels of stress. It is vital that we are able to “let go" or even imagine "dumping" our concerns from the previous day or days and concentrate wholly on our today. To be in the moment even when expectations may be happening around us and within.
3 Simple Stress Busting Tips :
#1 - Breathe Into The Moment
Release every thought from yesterday and be only mindful of the now. This means be present with your breath in this moment. Take in three very deep breaths into your lower belly, in through your nose and out through your nose. Slowly release each heavy thought from today or yesterday.
With each exhale, feel every concern, any particular challenge, any unresolved moment begin to dissolve. You can deal with them at a later time individually when your mind is clear, your emotions feel calm and your body feels energized. For now, your focus is this very moment.
This exercise cultivates an inner quiet place. Allow yourself to go deep inside to a place where you can surrender and begin to relax. Breathe in deeply , feel connected and enjoy this experience of being at one and at peace within.
This is your special time and place to be calm. Use this healing time to help free your mind and body of all concerns such as worry, regret, disappointment, any anger, grief or anything that is heavy or holding you down.
Tip #2Â - Focus on a Positive Memory
Take a moment to open up to the most wonderful memory that brings you joy and happiness. Some examples may be a memory of rocking your baby, taking a stroll around your favourite park, spending time outside gardening or raking the leaves. Spend time here with your unique memory. Your mind is quiet and calm and you are in your own special place within.
Do this mindful exercise daily, dropping into a calm and quiet space with positive imagery and you will notice your stress will dissipate as your heart feels lighter. This will help you will feel inspired and motivated to move forward with a new sense of energy. Remember, at the first sign of being stressed, go to this mindful, quiet place and start all over again until you have reached your inner place of peace.
Tip #3Â - Self Care is Crucial
You know the saying that if you don't take care of you, then you will not be able to be able to give to others. The very best thing that you can do for yourself is to eat, drink and rest. Your health is your priority!
Stress can be increased easily by not eating or drinking properly. Another major contributor to additional stress is if you don’t get the number of hours of sleep that you need each night. (At least 8 hours is recommended and taking time for restorative rest.)
Be aware of your salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake. Drink plenty of clean, pure water each day. In Qigong, a branch of Eastern medicine, Winter connects to the Water element. We need to focus on the health of our kidneys (Hint: A Future Blog). It is said that drinking water at 3 particualr times of the day can be very beneficial for optimal kidney function. Keep this in mind: a glass in the morning betwen 7am - 9am, a glass in the early evening at 5pm and a glass in the later evening at 9pm. These times are said to help with digestion, energy and vitality as well as having a calming effect on the Fire element that will help for a sound sleep. {Note - this is just a minimum amount recommended for daily water intake.} Try to include moderate exercise each day. These tips will breathe new life into your skin, hair and will nourish all of your vital organs.
Relating to the first tip, take time to breathe properly! Slow deep belly breaths send pure oxygen to all of your body. Laugh and then laugh some more. Laughter is the best medicine and is food for the soul! Set time aside for you doing the things that please you most. Engage in healthy and fulfilling relationships and work on problems to strengthen the closeness that you have with that someone special.
Above are a few tips that can help you day to day to cultivate living a balanced life. Sometimes we need to take a step back, slow down and focus within to become better equipped to deal with the unexpected, especially around the holidays.
You can take control today! I like to remind my clients to take one step at a time. Baby steps is all you need to start to feel a shift for the better. Sometimes we need a little extra help in feeling our best and navigating through various areas of our life. Someone that listens, supports and guides. I am here to help. Please feel free to reach out and book a Free Discovery Call so we can connect and figure out a healthy healing path for you together.
Love, Light & Qi
Jennifer Nocito RHC HCA
Certified HolisticWellness Coach, Certified Qigong/Yoga/Pilates/Meditation Teacher,
Thentix Distributor
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2vTiffoLV4JUSbEIIkXXRQ
Yoga First and Wellness