Slow Down And Enjoy The Holidays

"We're a species that rushes through everything, then complains that time flies." - Steve Maraboli

 

The holiday season is always fun but a hectic time of year. Like the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." But often, for many, it becomes the most stressful time of the year. So much to do and so little time to do it all in. Or so it always feels like. We bounce from holiday to holiday, beginning with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Dinners, parties, decorating, shopping, gifts, over and over again.

We feel like we have enough stress during normal times.  Add on top of it the effects of a global pandemic. Now we also have the stress and anxiety of the holiday season to deal with. It can get to be too much! If there is one thing that this COVID-19 pandemic has taught me through all of this craziness, is that we need to learn to appreciate each day, each moment.

We have to learn to be intentional in our approach to 'slow down' and enjoy the moment.  We must make a concerted choice not to give in to the anxiety that comes from being in a constant hurry all of the time. Here are some things we can do to begin doing this:

• Live in the moment: I can't say this often enough - learn to count your blessings. Each day, each moment. Life is a gift. What is it that you can be thankful for in this very moment? Listen to, and feel your senses. The ability to see, hear and feel. Friendships & family. A job or your ability to get a job or to do things. A roof over your head. Sunshine. Music. Good feelings. There are so many things there in front of us, if we take the time to recognize them.
• Learn that it is okay and necessary sometimes to say "no": Trust your intuition and your gut feeling. If you don't have the time or capacity to do something else, say no. That holiday party. The extra work. An over-commitment on your schedule. Just say no. Your future self with thank your present self. 
• Realize that "slowing down" doesn't necessarily equal "slow".  Whether you're working, eating, driving, shopping, cleaning, tasking. Whatever it is, pace yourself. Give adequate time. Things will get done.  You'll eventually get there. Things will turn out fine. Living in the 'technology age' has caused us all to want to live life instantaneously. We want it, and we want it now! No one has patience for anything. We must recognize the reality of this, and intentionally focus on slowing ourselves down.  It' okay!  Give yourself permission and don't allow what others are doing to affect your emotional state.
• Speaking of technology, this is a great way to slow yourself down; take a break from technology from time to time. Limit yourself, or scale back on social media or the urge to be on your devices. We strive to stay connected during every waking moment. Put the phone down! Go for a walk. Read a book. Practice meditation. Or maybe even just take a mental time out and rest once in a while.  Learn to take a break from it all.  It can do wonders.

Take a few minutes out of each day to stop and reflect on life. Learn to appreciate the things around you. Don't be afraid to throw some self-appreciation in the mix. What can you feel good about yourself? It's amazing what forcing ourselves to slow down can do for us. Make the rest of your life, the best of your life.  Start now!

Make today great!

Curtis

"Don't be afraid of taking the slow lane in life. It brings more happiness." - Jennifer West