Staying calm, peaceful and balanced is hard at the best of times, but during the busy holiday season it can sometimes feel impossible. This year especially, stress is taking its toll on my well-being more than ever as we settle into a new house in a new city, prepare to shop for our forever home, get the boys settled in a new school and deal with the overall hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays. That’s why I’ve decided to take steps to reclaim my inner peace and find my Zen so that I can enjoy the holiday season to its fullest. And these are the three ways I’ll be doing that!
Early Morning Meditation
Daily meditation offers a plethora of benefits, including increased mental focus, improved immunity, reduced blood pressure and improved memory. But finding the time to meditate when life gets busy can feel almost impossible. That’s why I’ve started setting my alarm fifteen minutes early so that I can use that extra time to reflect and prepare for the day. By meditating first thing in the morning, I don’t feel like I’m stopping my work flow or losing time. And those few minutes of self-reflection also help me to feel more peaceful and energized throughout the entire day.
Healthy Eating
If I’m not energizing my body properly, I’m not going to be at my best. But unfortunately, those busy, stressful times are the ones when we’re most likely to reach for junk food. My meals are already quite healthy but to ensure I’m feeling great, I know I need to keep an eye on those snacks too. By stocking up on healthy treats like whole nuts, fresh vegetables and even raw chocolate for an extra special treat, I can satisfy my cravings for something delicious without setting myself up for sluggishness later.
Giving Back
There are few things more spiritually restoring than helping others, whether it’s in a big way or a small one. From now on, I’m committing to helping another person at least once per week in some way. From donating food items to my local food bank (my personal favourite cause), to buying coffee for the person behind me in line, to helping a neighbour bring groceries into the house, there are so many small ways that I can make another person’s life a little easier. And doing so helps to restore a sense of calm and meaning to my own life as well!
Of course, despite my best efforts, I know stress is going to get the best of me from time to time. However, by being proactive about dealing with the stress, I’m confident I’ll be able to make the most of the weeks ahead of me. And being at peace during the holidays is really the best gift I can give myself!
Heather Cameron says
Great read! Definitely need to get into morning meditation.
Chandra O'Connor says
Since I’m going through a messy separation, this is the first Christmas that will be peaceful. I don’t have anyone doing or saying negative things to me which happened every Christmas for years.
Kathryn says
I am SO happy to hear that you’ll be able to enjoy your Christmas, Chandra! I’ve been there myself and getting out was the best thing I’ve ever done. The freedom and happiness afterwords is almost unbelievable. Best wishes for a long deserved absolutely fantastic holiday! <3
nicolthepickle says
Sleep is good too. Getting lots of rest makes a LOT of difference.
heidi c. says
Getting good rest and some regular exercise will also help as well.
Lynda Cook says
This was a good article, we all need to start looking after ourselves, I let stress get the better of me to the point where I will get sores in my mouth and get all shaky, not good!!
Kathryn says
I get stress-triggered cold sores and it is the WORST! I feel your pain!
Joanne Saunders says
I would love to not only increase my inner peace during the holidays but all year round
Darlene Schuller says
I don’t meditate in the mornings but I am up before the sun. I need this quiet time before anyone else gets up. If by chance I sleep in and awake with the rest of the household.. I feel exhausted and drained in every way all day long.
Stephanie LaPlante says
Giving back is my favorite thing about Christmas. I always try to brighten the life of at least one family per year. So much more rewarding than any gift.
Judy Cowan says
Great tips, eating healthy is definitely on the plan for the holidays since I had some no so nice blood tests results and have to make changes. Not going to let the holidays make me cheat.
Cheryl says
Great tips!! I love the early morning peace. No meditation for me but just time to collect my thoughts before the kids get up.
Carole Dube says
I would love to learn how to do meditation! I feel I would benefit greatly from it!
kathy downey says
All excellent tips,i recently started yoga and i love it now to work on increasing my inner peace
Silvia D says
all good tips! I do love the quiet time before anyone else is up in the mornings! or late at night at times..peace and quiet ,time to just relax
Elva Roberts says
As a practising Christian, I am reminded that meditation should be part of my life. I do meditate but not nearly often or long enough. As you say, it has healthful benefits for body, mind and soul.
Your post reminds me that I should be doing more meditation to help my whole self. Thank you for a very inspiring and insightful post.
DENISE LOW says
Thank you for sharing. I do have to tell myself to calm down when the holidays come.
Maryanne says
I needed this! Thanks for the advice!
Alison Braidwood says
I make sure I make time to just chill out, read a book, and listen to some calming music on my own during the holidays. It helps to de-stress.
DARCI PAICE says
Thanks for the refresher, we really do tend to get carried away and forget about ourselves!
Caryn Coates says
Great tips. Definitely something I need to do more of. I love the morning peace
Lesley F says
I like to read or exercise which helps me keep calm and relaxed