We've all experienced anxiety in some form. The racing heart, the fast breathing, a sense of being extremely overwhelmed by the situation, restlessness...anxiety can come in many forms. There are things you can learn to help you manage anxiety before it starts and there are things you can learn to help you calm down when you're feeling anxious.
One of my favorite techniques is also one of the simplest. When I am feeling anxious I make lists. My anxiety usually comes at night and usually has to do with some imagined tragedy involving my children. Instead of laying in bed with my heart racing I pick a topic (vegetables, a specific color, things that have to do with summer, food...any topic you want) and I go through the alphabet listing something related to that topic for each letter.
For example, let's say your topic is food.
Apples
Bananas
Crepes
Deviled eggs
Eggs
Etc.
You keep listing until you get to Z. And if you're still feeling anxious then you start over at A. I find that, for myself, usually by the middle of the alphabet my mind has relaxed, my breathing has slowed, and I have calmed down. If not, I pick another topic and keep going. The beauty of this exercise is that it forces your mind to think of something other than what you are feeling anxious about and you can do it anywhere.
What's your favorite technique for dealing with anxiety?
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
Guided Meditation for Stress Management
Stress and anxiety all too often seem to be an accepted part of our daily lives. We rush around, trying to fit in time for family and friends, and the whole time we are thinking about work or what we need to do tomorrow or next week or next month. It's hard to live in the present, to be focused on this moment. I am always amazed when I go out to dinner how many families I see who are sitting together at dinner and yet are all focused on their iPhones or iPads or video games. What happened to spending time together as a family, to having a conversation over dinner, to enjoying the time you have with family and friends?
You can learn to live in the moment. You can become more present in your daily life instead of always looking ahead. One way to do that is through guided meditation. Many people when they hear the words meditation envision monks sitting around a room, in silence, without moving for hours at a time. That's not reality for most of us. The majority of people will find sitting still, in silence, for 5 minutes overwhelming at first. That's okay. Like anything in life meditation takes practice.
Start with carving out 2 minutes of meditation time for yourself. Slowly increase the amount of time over the course of a couple days or a week. Although you may never find an hour a day to meditate, even spending 10-20 minutes daily or every other day will help you lower your stress and improve the quality of your life.
2 Minute Guided Meditation to Release Stress
Guided Meditations
Follow us on Facebook and let us know how your meditation practice is progressing.
You can learn to live in the moment. You can become more present in your daily life instead of always looking ahead. One way to do that is through guided meditation. Many people when they hear the words meditation envision monks sitting around a room, in silence, without moving for hours at a time. That's not reality for most of us. The majority of people will find sitting still, in silence, for 5 minutes overwhelming at first. That's okay. Like anything in life meditation takes practice.
Start with carving out 2 minutes of meditation time for yourself. Slowly increase the amount of time over the course of a couple days or a week. Although you may never find an hour a day to meditate, even spending 10-20 minutes daily or every other day will help you lower your stress and improve the quality of your life.
2 Minute Guided Meditation to Release Stress
Guided Meditations
Follow us on Facebook and let us know how your meditation practice is progressing.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Happiness
True happiness in life is found always within.--Open Your Mind, Open Your Life
People spend a large amount of time searching for happiness. If I can just get this new job, promotion, relationship, more, more, more and then when they attain those things they find that they still aren't happy.
It can be a challenging life lesson to learn that happiness isn't acquired by obtaining material goods, by elevating your social status, or in a new relationship. Happiness isn't something that occurs outside of yourself. It's something that is inside.
One way we can work on finding true happiness is by practicing gratitude. Gratitude is defined as the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. There are many ways people practice gratitude. Some people keep a journal, some simply acknowledge the blessings in their lives. Whatever way you choose to practice gratitude make it a priority. Embrace the blessings in your life...the people, a roof over your head, food in your belly, a family, friends, a job. Even if you hate your job be grateful that you have a job. Even if you are stuck eating Ramon noodles, be grateful for those noodles. That shift in thinking can shift your entire outlook on life. Recognize that there will always be people better off than you and, on the flip side, there will always be people far worse off than you. Be grateful for your place in this life.
You can't find happiness by searching for it. You have to let it envelope you, to well up from inside you, to bubble and percolate. Eventually that happiness can't be contained and it permeates every aspect of your life. The world as you know it will be changed forever.
People spend a large amount of time searching for happiness. If I can just get this new job, promotion, relationship, more, more, more and then when they attain those things they find that they still aren't happy.
It can be a challenging life lesson to learn that happiness isn't acquired by obtaining material goods, by elevating your social status, or in a new relationship. Happiness isn't something that occurs outside of yourself. It's something that is inside.
One way we can work on finding true happiness is by practicing gratitude. Gratitude is defined as the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. There are many ways people practice gratitude. Some people keep a journal, some simply acknowledge the blessings in their lives. Whatever way you choose to practice gratitude make it a priority. Embrace the blessings in your life...the people, a roof over your head, food in your belly, a family, friends, a job. Even if you hate your job be grateful that you have a job. Even if you are stuck eating Ramon noodles, be grateful for those noodles. That shift in thinking can shift your entire outlook on life. Recognize that there will always be people better off than you and, on the flip side, there will always be people far worse off than you. Be grateful for your place in this life.
You can't find happiness by searching for it. You have to let it envelope you, to well up from inside you, to bubble and percolate. Eventually that happiness can't be contained and it permeates every aspect of your life. The world as you know it will be changed forever.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Small Business Advantage Plan
Serenity Counseling Online wants to help you help your employees. It can be hard to provide comprehensive health insurance when you own a small or medium sized business. Often that coverage doesn't include mental health; however, loss of productivity and man hours due to mental health issues and stress can cripple your business. This is why Serenity Counseling Online offers several low cost, high return Small Business Advantage Plans to help you provide the needed support to your employees. All sessions (phone, Skype, real time chat, or 1 email exchange equals 1 session) are confidential to provide your employees with the peace of mind required for them to seek assistance. Pick one of our simple plans or contact us to customize one to fit the needs of your business.
Plan A:
Plan A:
- Cost per year $150
- Includes ten free 30 minute sessions for any employee's first time use during a 12 month period
- Follow up sessions receive a 50% discount at the employee's expense
- If all 10 sessions are used prior to the 12 months ending we'll contact the employer regarding purchasing additional sessions
Plan B:
- Cost per month: $5 per employee (option to be paid by the employer or employee)
- Includes up to one free 30 minute session per month per employee
- Follow up sessions receive a 50% discount at the employee's expense
- Cost per month: $10 per employee (option to be paid by the employer or employee)
- Includes up to one free 30 minute session per month for each employee and their immediate family members
- Follow up sessions receive a 50% discount at the employee's expense
- Customized plan to fit your company's needs. Contact us for details and options.
- Your business will provide Serenity Counseling Online with a list of employees and family members that are covered under the Small Business Advantage Plan.
- Coverage payments are billed quarterly (except Plan A).
- At your request the total number of sessions used by all employees can be provided to verify usage while maintaining confidentiality.
- Your business will receive a confirmation receipt of payment, the coverage dates, and a list of the employees and family members who are covered.
- At this point coverage begins and services may be accessed by members 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Appointments are scheduled at your employee's convenience, including nights and weekends.
- Call now (978) 284-3676 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting
(978) 284-3676 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email us at Jennifer@SerenityCounselingOnline.com for more information.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Online Group Counseling
Serenity Counseling Online is now offering online group counseling. How can online group counseling be beneficial for you? At times it can be difficult to find the time or energy to attend a therapy group. Often we can become overwhelmed with all the world is throwing at us that trying to add one more activity seems next to impossible. That is when we need the support of a group the most. Committing to an online therapeutic group can help you connect to other individuals who are experiencing similar life circumstances from the comfort of your own home while working with a licensed therapist.
Listed below are the groups that Serenity Counseling Online is now offering.
Are you newly divorced and learning to cope with your new reality? Join us as we discuss what it mean to be divorced, how to cope with divorce, how to co-parent, as well as any other issues that are pertinent. This is a therapeutic support group. This group will be available to a maximum of 9 people per session and will be conducted through Google chat. Assistance using Google chat is available prior to the first group session.
You also receive unlimited email support during the 8 week session.
Tuesdays 8pm-9pm, starts Feb. 5, 2013
8 week session
$200 (receive a 10% discount if paid in full prior to first session or make 2 payments of $100 each)
Listed below are the groups that Serenity Counseling Online is now offering.
Women’s Group
Join us as we discuss issues pertinent to women. Whether you are struggling in your relationships (romantic, friendship, or otherwise); trying to make sense out of parenting a toddler, teen, or in between; or are just looking for support this group will have something to offer for you. This group is only available for 9 women per session and will be conducted through Google chat. Assistance using Google chat is available prior to the first group session.
You also receive unlimited email support during the 8 week session.
Saturdays 9am-10am, starts Feb. 2, 2013
8 week sessions
$200 (receive a 10% discount if paid in full prior to first session or make 2 payments of $100 each)
Spouses of Deployed Military
Having experienced a deployment of my spouse, I can understand the stress and anxiety that occur while your spouse is serving overseas. Join us as we talk about the trials and tribulations of being the spouse at home during a deployment as well as how to keep your relationship strong. A follow up drop in group will be available for people as their spouses return home for as needed support. This group is only available for 9 people per session and will be conducted through Google chat. Assistance using Google chat is available prior to the first group session.
You also receive unlimited email support during the 6 week session.
Sundays 8pm-9pm, drop in session 9pm-9:45pm, starts Feb. 3, 2013
6 week sessions
$150 (receive a 10% discount if paid in full prior to the first session or make 2 payments of $75 each) for the group, $20 per drop in session
Overcoming Food Addiction, Obesity, & Weight Issues
Food addiction is a real and often ignored issue. According to Obesity in America and the CDC more than 1/3 of adult Americans are obese and approximately 17% of children ages 2-19 are obese. That is 12.5 million children in the US. If we are to stop this epidemic of obesity in our child we first need to look at ourselves. If you are struggling to lose weight and looking for a supportive online environment, join us as we discuss what it means to be overweight in today’s society, how to educate ourselves regarding making better food choices, and how to be kind to ourselves. This is a therapeutic support group. This group is only available for 9 people per session and will be conducted through Google chat. Assistance using Google chat is available prior to the first group session.
You also receive unlimited email support during the 8 session.
Thursdays 8pm-9pm, starts Feb. 7, 2013
8 week session
$200 (receive a 10% discount if paid in full prior to the first session or make 2 payments of $100 each)
Coping with DivorceAre you newly divorced and learning to cope with your new reality? Join us as we discuss what it mean to be divorced, how to cope with divorce, how to co-parent, as well as any other issues that are pertinent. This is a therapeutic support group. This group will be available to a maximum of 9 people per session and will be conducted through Google chat. Assistance using Google chat is available prior to the first group session.
You also receive unlimited email support during the 8 week session.
Tuesdays 8pm-9pm, starts Feb. 5, 2013
8 week session
$200 (receive a 10% discount if paid in full prior to first session or make 2 payments of $100 each)
Monday, December 31, 2012
What Is Online Counseling
As life becomes more demanding it can be difficult to find the time and energy to focus on yourself, to recharge your batteries, and to pursue a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle isn't just about going to the gym and caring for your physical health. It is also about taking care of your mental health, learning how to reduce stress and anxiety in your life, and improve relationships. Online counseling gives you the tools to make positive changes in your life without the inconvenience of trying to fit in appointments with a traditional therapist. You get all the benefits of counseling without ever having to leave your home.
When someone talks about going to counseling or seeing a therapist, most people immediately picture lying on a couch talking while a therapist takes notes. For many people that traditional type of counseling is extremely beneficial; however, for others it can be hard to find the time, energy, or financial means necessary to attend traditional counseling. For those people online counseling may be a better option.
But what is online counseling? It is actually very similar to traditional counseling except it occurs in a non traditional setting. Appointments occur while you are in your home or other private setting and the therapist is in their office. Appointments occur by telephone or online by email, Skype (or other web cam type service), or instant messenger. They are scheduled at times that are convenient for you, can occur at night or on weekends, and they are significantly more affordable than traditional counseling. All sessions are confidential unless the therapist feels you are a threat to yourself or others or you disclose a situation of abuse of a child.
Online counseling is not intended to diagnosis or treat major mental illness, but is best utilized to help people learn how to manage stress and anxiety; cope with grief and loss; parent more effectively; improve communication skills; deal with issues related to family, marriage/relationships, job/employment, deployment; receive support as a new parent; and/or serve as an objective third party or sounding board.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year. After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel. The cost is $30 per exchange. An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response.
The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing. It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed. The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes. A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings).
The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue. It is available by appointment. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated. The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes.
Video chat sessions through Skype are also available. This session is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most beneficial. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time. The cost is $50 per 60 minute session. A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225.
If you are interested in making positive life changes in 2013, are struggling with an issue, or know someone who is struggling please do not hesitate to contact Serenity Counseling Online. Help is only a click away. Schedule your appointment now.
When someone talks about going to counseling or seeing a therapist, most people immediately picture lying on a couch talking while a therapist takes notes. For many people that traditional type of counseling is extremely beneficial; however, for others it can be hard to find the time, energy, or financial means necessary to attend traditional counseling. For those people online counseling may be a better option.
But what is online counseling? It is actually very similar to traditional counseling except it occurs in a non traditional setting. Appointments occur while you are in your home or other private setting and the therapist is in their office. Appointments occur by telephone or online by email, Skype (or other web cam type service), or instant messenger. They are scheduled at times that are convenient for you, can occur at night or on weekends, and they are significantly more affordable than traditional counseling. All sessions are confidential unless the therapist feels you are a threat to yourself or others or you disclose a situation of abuse of a child.
Online counseling is not intended to diagnosis or treat major mental illness, but is best utilized to help people learn how to manage stress and anxiety; cope with grief and loss; parent more effectively; improve communication skills; deal with issues related to family, marriage/relationships, job/employment, deployment; receive support as a new parent; and/or serve as an objective third party or sounding board.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year. After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel. The cost is $30 per exchange. An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response.
The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing. It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed. The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes. A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings).
The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue. It is available by appointment. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated. The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes.
Video chat sessions through Skype are also available. This session is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most beneficial. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time. The cost is $50 per 60 minute session. A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225.
If you are interested in making positive life changes in 2013, are struggling with an issue, or know someone who is struggling please do not hesitate to contact Serenity Counseling Online. Help is only a click away. Schedule your appointment now.
Serenity Counseling Online is committed to providing affordable and professional services in an environment that's comfortable for you. Online counseling is easy to use, convenient, and confidential. In addition, Serenity Counseling adheres to the latest ethical practice guidelines suggested for online counseling services. Your personal information is strictly confidential and is not shared with any third party providers or companies. Your private communications and all credit card information is safe and secure with Serenity Counseling. The word counseling will not appear on your credit card statements.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year. After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel. The cost is $30 per exchange. An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response. The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing. It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed. The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes. A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings). The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue. It is available by appointment. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated. The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes. Video chat sessions through Skype are also available. This sesssion is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most benefical. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time. The cost is $50 per 60 minute session. A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225. |
Serenity Counseling Online is committed to providing affordable and professional services in an environment that's comfortable for you. Online counseling is easy to use, convenient, and confidential. In addition, Serenity Counseling adheres to the latest ethical practice guidelines suggested for online counseling services. Your personal information is strictly confidential and is not shared with any third party providers or companies. Your private communications and all credit card information is safe and secure with Serenity Counseling. The word counseling will not appear on your credit card statements.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year. After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel. The cost is $30 per exchange. An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response. The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing. It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed. The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes. A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings). The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue. It is available by appointment. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated. The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes. Video chat sessions through Skype are also available. This sesssion is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most benefical. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time. The cost is $50 per 60 minute session. A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225. |
Serenity Counseling Online is committed to providing affordable and professional services in an environment that's comfortable for you. Online counseling is easy to use, convenient, and confidential. In addition, Serenity Counseling adheres to the latest ethical practice guidelines suggested for online counseling services. Your personal information is strictly confidential and is not shared with any third party providers or companies. Your private communications and all credit card information is safe and secure with Serenity Counseling. The word counseling will not appear on your credit card statements.
Serenity Counseling Online's email counseling services are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, throughout the calendar year. After you submit a detailed description of the problem or issue you are having along with your payment, within 24-48 hours we will send back 1-2 pages of professional counsel. The cost is $30 per exchange. An exchange consists of your email to the counseling and their response. The phone session is the most viable service for those clients who prefer to express themselves verbally rather than by typing. It is available by appointment and each session is typically 60 minutes long unless otherwise indicated by you. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise directed. The cost is $50 per hour or $30 per 30 minutes. A 3 session package is available for $145 ($5.00 savings) or a 5 session package is available for $225 ($25 savings). The real time chat session offers the client who prefers a more anonymous environment an opportunity for a therapeutic experience via an "Instant Messenger" style dialogue. It is available by appointment. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received. The email and telephone number you provide upon payment will be used to respond to your request unless otherwise indicated. The cost is $30 per 30 minutes or $50 per 60 minutes. Video chat sessions through Skype are also available. This sesssion is ideal for someone who feels face to face sessions are most benefical. Your request will be processed and you will be contacted within 24 hours after payment is received by phone or email to set up an appointment/Skype time. The cost is $50 per 60 minute session. A 3 session package is available for $145 and a 5 session package is available for $225. |
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Surviving the Holidays
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is upon us. The holidays seem to arrive sooner every year and for many people, instead of being a time of joy, they are a time of stress. Here are 5 tips to help you manage your holiday stress.
1) You don’t have to attend every party you’re invited to. Time and time again, people... feel obligated to accept every invitation that comes there way during the holidays, but this can leave us feeling ragged and run down. Instead of running around, trying to see everyone, and do everything pick 1 or 2 parties to attend. Graciously decline other invitations with a hand written note. The host/hostess will understand and probably secretly thank you for not attending (one less guest to entertain after all).
2) Don’t overextend yourself financially. If you can’t afford a particular gift then don’t buy it. Many people end up with huge credit card bills after the holidays because they want to give their children and loved ones the newest and greatest gadget on the market. Your loved ones want to spend time with you during the holidays. They don’t need the next greatest toy. The greatest gift you can give your child is to teach them that the holidays aren’t about toys and presents, but are about spending time with people you love.
3) It’s easy to feel torn about whose house to spend which holiday at. This part of the family wants to host this holiday, your parents want to see their grandchildren on Christmas morning, guilt, guilt, guilt. Don’t feel guilty. This is YOUR holiday, too, and you should spend it how you want. Some people have found that as their children get older it’s easier to stay home. Don’t feel obligated to run all over town trying to make everyone else happy. Talk to your spouse and decide what your family is doing this year for the holidays. If that means everyone comes to your house or one family gets Christmas Eve and the other Christmas Day then that’s okay. You have to do what’s best for you. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your extended family. It just means you are setting some holiday boundaries and that is okay!
4) Exercise. The holidays and gluttony seem to go hand in hand. Who isn’t looking forward to a Thanksgiving turkey or pumpkin pies? Everyone I know complains about packing on holiday pounds and eating all that rich food over the holidays does tend to make us feel sluggish and out of sorts. Exercising, even if it’s just a 20 minute walk per day, can go a long way to helping you feel better during the holidays. It’ll keep your stress level down, your energy level up, and you’ll sleep better at night.
5) Remember to take time for yourself. Whether it’s 5 minutes in the morning to meditate or a long shower at the end of the day, or booking an appointment for a massage, it’s important to take time to decompress and unwind. Your house isn’t going to fall apart if you take 30 minutes to read a novel or take a bath. If you need a time out then take a time out.
The holidays don’t have to be stressful. Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to come and go regardless of if you get your shopping done, serve an amazing turkey, or have a perfectly clean and decorated house. Instead of focusing on all the things you have to get done this year, why not focus on all the things you have to be grateful for already? Take a deep breath and just enjoy.
1) You don’t have to attend every party you’re invited to. Time and time again, people... feel obligated to accept every invitation that comes there way during the holidays, but this can leave us feeling ragged and run down. Instead of running around, trying to see everyone, and do everything pick 1 or 2 parties to attend. Graciously decline other invitations with a hand written note. The host/hostess will understand and probably secretly thank you for not attending (one less guest to entertain after all).
2) Don’t overextend yourself financially. If you can’t afford a particular gift then don’t buy it. Many people end up with huge credit card bills after the holidays because they want to give their children and loved ones the newest and greatest gadget on the market. Your loved ones want to spend time with you during the holidays. They don’t need the next greatest toy. The greatest gift you can give your child is to teach them that the holidays aren’t about toys and presents, but are about spending time with people you love.
3) It’s easy to feel torn about whose house to spend which holiday at. This part of the family wants to host this holiday, your parents want to see their grandchildren on Christmas morning, guilt, guilt, guilt. Don’t feel guilty. This is YOUR holiday, too, and you should spend it how you want. Some people have found that as their children get older it’s easier to stay home. Don’t feel obligated to run all over town trying to make everyone else happy. Talk to your spouse and decide what your family is doing this year for the holidays. If that means everyone comes to your house or one family gets Christmas Eve and the other Christmas Day then that’s okay. You have to do what’s best for you. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your extended family. It just means you are setting some holiday boundaries and that is okay!
4) Exercise. The holidays and gluttony seem to go hand in hand. Who isn’t looking forward to a Thanksgiving turkey or pumpkin pies? Everyone I know complains about packing on holiday pounds and eating all that rich food over the holidays does tend to make us feel sluggish and out of sorts. Exercising, even if it’s just a 20 minute walk per day, can go a long way to helping you feel better during the holidays. It’ll keep your stress level down, your energy level up, and you’ll sleep better at night.
5) Remember to take time for yourself. Whether it’s 5 minutes in the morning to meditate or a long shower at the end of the day, or booking an appointment for a massage, it’s important to take time to decompress and unwind. Your house isn’t going to fall apart if you take 30 minutes to read a novel or take a bath. If you need a time out then take a time out.
The holidays don’t have to be stressful. Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to come and go regardless of if you get your shopping done, serve an amazing turkey, or have a perfectly clean and decorated house. Instead of focusing on all the things you have to get done this year, why not focus on all the things you have to be grateful for already? Take a deep breath and just enjoy.
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