Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, the snow is glistening…

Aw—The Christmas season is upon us.

I’m not really a winter a person, but I do the love the holiday season– The songs, the lights, the decorations, the gatherings and family time. They all make this time of year special. Unfortunately, many people get caught up in the hustle and bustle and miss the meaning of the season. With all of the busyness going on around us, you may not hear the beautiful songs playing, let alone see who may be walking in front of you.

It is sad, but many of us get caught up in our own world and thoughts and forget about what matters most. We are all guilty of this once in awhile, but it is important to open your eyes and ears and really see what and who is in front of you. A smile and friendly hello goes a long way, especially during the holiday season. It is also important to be grateful for what you have instead of what you want. In fact, “the more a person is inclined to gratitude, the less likely he or she is to be depressed, anxious, lonely, envious, or neurotic.”¹

Many of us not only forget about paying attention to strangers and giving our time to others, but forget to pay attention to ourselves, as well. People often feel rushed with more things to do and may compromise their regular routines during the holiday season. Some people revert to unhealthy habits, as well. Let’s face it; it’s easy to blow-off your regular work-out at the gym when you have extra groceries to buy for that upcoming Christmas party, need to make an extra stop to pick up wrapping paper, or stop for stamps to get your Christmas cards mailed.

We’ve all been there. In fact, I did it myself the other week. I usually attend at least one yoga class a week and do yoga stretches every morning, but I got out of my routine after a little holiday over-load. No wonder I wasn’t feeling like myself and had a kink in my neck. My body was clearly crying out for my regular stretching routine. As soon as I put two and two together, I went and got some yoga on and immediately felt more in balance.

Listen To Your Body

We all need to listen to our bodies. If you are feeling abnormally tired or stressed there’s probably a good reason. The holiday season can be hectic, especially if you are planning for visitors, a holiday party and shopping for gifts. Make sure you’re feeding your body plenty of healthy foods to feel your best. Don’t forget to practice a little self-care too. If you run yourself ragged, it is hard to take care of others. Make sure you take a little time to  re-energize and relax. Your body will thank you. 

Eat Breakfast—
Remember—Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Don’t let the busyness of the season change your routine. Breakfast gives you energy to get your day going, so make sure you don’t skip it, especially if you have to do some power shopping and other errands. 

Have a healthy snack before going to a party—
Before rushing to get ready for a party, make sure you take some time to take care of yourself. Many times people will avoid eating before a party, but truthfully, it’s not a good idea. Why not have a healthy snack before leaving the house? This way you will have something in your stomach and won’t be as apt to over-eat.  If you are worried about finding something that fits with your diet, why not bring a healthy item to share? This way you will have at least one item you know you will feel good about eating. 

Outsmart the buffet—
Your body needs extra energy when you are busier than normal. Make sure you are fueling it with plenty of healthy foods. When you are at a party or other holiday gathering, make sure you choose a small plate if possible. This way you will be less likely to over-indulge. Make sure you choose plenty of brightly colored vegetables too. Move away from the buffet when your plate is full. It’s always less tempting than if you park yourself right by the food.

Stay Active—
Don’t let the busyness of the season disrupt your regular routine. Why not take a break after a long day of shopping and go to the gym or yoga class? While you may think you will feel more tired, the opposite is true. Exercising gives you energy and helps release feel good endorphins in your brain. If you’ve had a heavy holiday meal, why not take a walk outside? The fresh air should feel good and help calm your mind. Walking will also help get those digestive enzymes moving.

Open Your Eyes To Others

While we are all busy and preoccupied with our own lives, it is important to remember the holiday season can be a challenging time for many people.  There are many ways you can make a difference and show others you care. They don’t have to be time consuming either. All it takes is a conscious effort to want to help and you can start by listening and looking around.

Drop Some Money In That Bucket—
I’m sure you’ve heard the holiday bells of the Salvation Army. You know—that familiar ring you hear this time of year, as you enter your neighborhood grocery store or other retailer. Why not make a conscious effort to drop a few bucks in that bucket the next time you’re out and about? You might be surprised, but giving what pay you for that specialty cup of coffee or tea could help buy a pair of mittens or a scarf for someone in need or help put a little food on their table. 

Donate To A Food Shelf—
This time of year, food shelves are busier than normal and are definitely in need of extra items. Why not look around for a few extra items to contribute to your local food shelf the next time you are out grocery shopping? If you have small children or kids in high school you can get them involved, as well. It’s especially important to instill values of giving at a young age. 

Use Amazon Smile—
More people today than ever shop online. It’s convenient, easy and your packages show up right at your door. Why not take advantage of using Amazon Smile, which is a great way donate a portion of what you order to your favorite charity. All you need to do is sign up and then use the
smile.amazon.com URL when you order. It’s a great way to put a smile on your face and those of others.

Bring Cookies to a Nursing Home—
Why not bake a batch of holiday cookies and bring them to a local nursing home? Many seniors feel alone this time of year and may not have family or friends close by. Dropping off some cookies or a box of chocolates may brighten someones day. If you have a little extra time, maybe you can visit with a resident or play a game of cards. Any interaction will show them you care and make both of you feel happier. 

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Source:
¹“The How of Happiness | Optimize.” Optimize – Your Potential. Actualized., www.optimize.me/philosophers-notes/the-how-of-happiness-sonja-lyubomirsky/.