Ways to Feel Calmer During the Holidays

The holidays are here: for some they not only bring cheer, but stress. Who wants to enjoy the holidays whilst feeling stressed? I know I do not. What to do then? Are they ways to bring about calm in the midst of chaos? Yes!

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

The scent of jasmine can aid in helping lull us to sleep on those nights that worries keep us awake. Tuck a little sachet of jasmine underneath your pillow. The sweet scent will aid in bringing about a peaceful slumber. Morever, let go of the need or desire to make the holidays perfect. Just enjoy them.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

Do you enjoy candles? Staring at a flickering flame for a short burst of time assists our brains in the concentration department. How? The unpredictable movement of the flame holds our attention- consequently, we focus more on the moment, less on the outside stressors.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

Hormones can be the catalyst for stress. Sometimes they are so out of whack we can feel a bit crazy. Consuming soy beans can be almost like an instant dose of calm. Soy beans contain natural estrogen, restoring our body's balance, ergo- the wackiness feeling can abide and calm can reign.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

Dimmer equates calm. By spending the few extra dollars to install dimmers in your light switches, you can create a mood. Bright lights are not always conducive to rest and relaxation, but then neither is darkness. With dimmers you can control the amount of light in which you feel the most comfortable.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

A friend of mine owns her own business. She was always stressed. I was in her shop the other day and she looked brighter, cheerier, and not as frazzled. I asked her for her secret: her reply- I have not listened to the radio, watched television or read a newspaper in a week. She had talked with her therapist who recommended she take a time out. She said it worked. I have since talked with her, and she is back to reading the newspaper, and listening to the radio, as well as watching television. However, she says that she is still more at peace and if she feels herself start to go out of whack, she will take another time out.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

Read a book- escape for a little while every day. Listen to books on tape.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

Take a walk. As my mother is so very fond of saying, "Walking is good." Not only physically, but mentally.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

Breathe. Deep breaths and count to ten. How often have we heard that in our lives? Often enough that we should know it is not just an old wives' tale.

Ways to feel calmer during the holidays

Do something for someone else. One of the best ways to feel better is to give of ourselves. By giving we are taking ourselves outside our box, letting go of that closed in feeling. Then do something for you. Just you.