The Whole Cure Wellness Wednesday: Three Powerful Strategies to Release Holiday Stress

The holidays are a magical time of year! We have the chance to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, give thoughtful gifts and spread the spirit of the season. But all of this busyness, expectations and changes in our routine can also be stressful and exhausting.

Build greater mindfulness into your life by joining us for the next The Whole Cure Lifestyle Transformation Mindset Module! This very special virtual group coaching program offers lasting transformation and meaningful stress management tools that can shift your entire life! Get exercises, workbooks, audio guided meditations, webinars and more! Learn more about this powerful online program and join us from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world! Commit to yourself now! 

This time of year can bring up strong emotions, test patience and trigger us to slip into bad habits.  This holiday stress can arise as you wait in long lines at the mall, gather with family, cook the holiday meal or decorate your home. Feelings of holiday stress and overwhelm can show up in the body as aches and pains, insomnia, a scattered mind or dampened spirits. 

But you can fend off the harmful impacts of holiday stress and keep the magic spirit in the holidays! Taking time to focus on self-care, remember your intentions and stick with healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way towards allowing you to release holiday stress to keep you sane, balanced and happy all season long!

Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Strategies for Releasing Holiday Stress

Use these Simple | Pure | Whole^TM strategies to enjoy the holidays and enter the New Year ready to tackle your goals and healthy lifestyle!

Release Expectation 

  The holidays often bring intense family time, incessant advertising and commercialization, and lots of pressure to present the perfect decorations, meals and gifts.

The first step in dealing with the stress of failed expectations is to stop doing those things that never worked in the first place and reconnect with what truly matters to you. Instead of setting unrealistic, idealistic expectations of yourself or others, choose to live with consciousness and alignment with what really matters to you.

Stop trying to revive expectations or live up to some advertised ideal and just let others be who they are as you allow your life to unfold as it is. Much of your stress and frustration will fall away as you stop nagging yourself and others and start to appreciate and validate all that is wonderful in your life. 

 

 

Give to Yourself First

While giving to others embodies the spirit of the season, we can’t give what we don’ have. Self-care is not selfish, in fact it is just the opposite. Taking care of yourself allows you to remain more present with others and give more authentically from your own abundance instead of running on adrenaline, fumes and frustration. 

Pay attention to nurturing yourself even as things get busier and busier. Set aside time to get outdoors and move or go to a yoga class. Allow yourself some quiet time to journal, meditate or rest instead of baking that 5th batch of holiday cookies.

 

 

 

Relish the Simple

Does your home have to look like a magazine to enjoy your holiday gatherings? Do you need that 8th course to make your holiday dinner memorable? Will Aunt Judy love you less if you don’t shower her with a pile of expensive gifts?

Perfection and the drive to please others can rob us of our energy and lead us astray from our true path. Relish the simple instead of getting stuck on perfection. Simplicity means going back to the basics and choosing your priorities. No more, no less, just enough. 

Being able to set limits or say no to activities, interactions and obligations that deplete or harm you physically, emotionally or spiritually shows self-love and compassion.  When you are aligned with this true spirit and inner guidance, security, contentment and peace come naturally and life flows more easily. You will find true appreciation for what you have and be able to add meaning to the things you choose to include in your life. 

With increased awareness and an open heart, you can stay centered and energized during this busy time of year!

Happy Holidays!

If you found this content and exercises valuable and are ready to start living more intentionally each day, pick up your copy of The Whole Cure in paperback or Kindle edition today. You can start with a free preview here. I would also love to have you join us in the upcoming The Whole Cure Lifestyle Transformation Program Mindset Module or join my Simple | Pure | Whole Wellness Solution Essentials Coaching Program to invest in yourself and stave off the harmful impacts of stress for good!

Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. These are methods and products that I use and should not be considered medical advice.

This post was shared with: Pin Worthy Wednesday, Two Cup Tuesday, Create It Thursday, Holiday Healthy Happy Green & Natural Party Blog Hop!, Crafty & Delicious Party, Health Living Link Party, Full Plate Thursday, Family Fun Friday, Weekend Retreat, Friday’s Five Features