After the frenzied activity that seems to increase with every Christmas that goes by, these tried and trusted de-stress ideas may help you to restore some calm and repose, and to start the New Year on a more even keel.
1. Breathe! Breathe deeply, but don't hyperventilate. Inhale as though you were smelling a wonderful flower. Then stretch your arms high over your head as you slowly and completely exhale. Repeat several times, and feel the stress recede as your breathing regulates.
2. Set boundaries - decide what you will do and when. Better still, decide what you won't do and dare to say "no." Try to avoid anything, and anyone, who wastes your time.
3. Clarify your goals. Decide exactly what needs to be done, and plan a smart way of accomplishing each task. A list often helps; as each itme is ticked off, you'll feel a sense of acheivement. Give yourself a pat on the back every time you achieve even one of your goals, no matter how small.
4. Put yourself first for a change! If you aren't functioning at your peak, your work and your relationships will suffer. Find time for yourself, and try to do at least one relaxing thing each day: Take a bubble bath, or read a chapter of a favorite book - in the long run a break or treat will pay if your nerves withstand the stresses placed on them.
5. Give yourself a break. It's not the end of the world if you cancel a lunch date or miss a deadline now and then. In six months or two weeks time, who will remember?
6. Get spiritual. Get in touch with your spiritual values, and align your plans and activities with them. For instance, read an inspiring book, then think about how to incorporate what you learned into your day- to-day life.
7. To borrow a transatlantic phrase - "Take five". Right now stop what you are doing to cherish the moment. Savour whatever you're drinking or eating. Go outside in the cold and smell the air, feel the wind, sunshine or rain on your face. Listen for tiny sounds. Take a moment every day to marvel at the wonders all around you. And RELAX!
However busy we are, there are some simple tools we can use to invite calm back into our lives, if only for a few vital moments. The bottom line for me is to remember that there is so much to relish and be grateful for, rather than regretting and getting angry.
Have a very happy, peaceful, creative and calm New Year.
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