Désirée Manders
Personal coach 

Here are 5 easy to apply tips for a stress free Holiday season;

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Tip #1: Good preparation is half the work done

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Tention and stress are the result of lack of overview. You have so much on your plate that you don't know where to start 

Our tip, turn yourself inside out. Take what is in your head out by writing it down. Make a list of things you think you need to do. By making it visual it is much more easy to prioritize and even strike off things that can wait. Make a list with three columns. In the first column you write down the things you have to do, in the 2nd the things you would like to get done and in the 3rd you write down the things you love to do or would love to get done. Now make the conscious decision to do at least one item from each column every day. This will help make your ‘to do’ list manageable and fun!

 

Tip #2: visualize

What you focus on will show up in your reality. Athletes use the simple technique of visualization to project in their mind’s eye how they want to race or match to go. You can use the same proven technique to imagine how you would like the Holliday season or a particular get together to go. Sit down, relax and close your eyes. In your mind’s eye picture a specific scene around the Holidays. The more detail you put into your visualisation the better. What do you see, feel, smell or hear? Are you relaxed? Great -enjoy how great you feel in your visualization. Do you feel stress or tension? Adjust the story and remember; anything is possible in a visualization so make this story as great and perfect, as you want it to be! 

 

Tip #3: Bring your own food.

When you are going to someone else’s house for a party and you are worried that the foods being offered are not healthy, simply bring your own. You could bring flaxseed crackers and homemade hummus or raw vegetables with homemade guacamole. I’m sure everybody at the party will enjoy your healthy snacks! Make sure to check with the host though; no need to offend anyone! 

 

Tip #4: use these simple relaxation techniques

1.

Abdomen breathing.
This is a very simple technique which you can do anywhere. Do you feel tense? Deeply inhale through your nose and allow your belly to expand. This will activate your diaphragm, which will help you to get out of the so-called fight or flight mode immediately and return to a state of calm. Hold your breath for a second and slowly breath out through your mouth while you slowly pull in your belly toward your spine. Repeat as often as necessary. Make sure you relax your stomach muscles as you do this exercise.

 

2.

Body scan.
This is a super easy and very effective exercise. Deeply inhale and slowly exhale while you focus your attention on your feet. Wiggle your toes to help you get your attention out of your head and into your body. Then focus your attention on your ankles, lower legs, knees and slowly up towards your upper legs and so on. Slowly and deeply breath in and out as you gently scan your whole body until you reach the crown of your head. This will help you to get out of your head and into your body. Are you feeling more relaxed?

 

Tip #5: work out

If you are in the habit of working out, keep up that routine during the holiday season. It is so easy to skip your routine because so much needs to get done before Christmas or New Year’s. However that hour a week of exercise will help your body to relax and your mind to clear. By taking some time for yourself you will enhance your overall productivity and energy level, which will help you as you prepare for the Holidays. If you are not in the habit of working out it is still a good idea to get some movement in. Take some time to simply walk around the block. Getting out in the fresh air works miracles on your body and mind and will help you relax!