Questions for WEEK 2

Here are 3 questions to help you with creating lists for the holidays:

1.  Is there a traditional holiday activity that you can create a list for, e.g., mailing holiday cards, hosting a holiday get-together, gift buying?

2.  Is there anything on your list that you can delegate?

3.  If you're feeling stressed, have you scheduled any calming activities for yourself on your list?

Next week, I'll offer an additional strategy for managing the holidays.

Questions for WEEK 1

These questions are related to applying this week's strategy to your holiday activities:

1.  How would simplifying your activities make the holidays more enjoyable for you?

2.  What's one activity you can decline to do this holiday season?

3.  Are there any pressures or deadlines which are self-imposed?  Can you adjust these deadlines?

4.  What's one area of your home that you will declutter?  How will decluttering this space make your holidays more calm?

If you wish you can answer all of the questions or one which especially resonates with you.  Schedule time in your calendar or post a reminder to yourself to turn your responses into action.

Reconnecting Tip 8

Schedule 5 min to relax today

If in spite of your best efforts, your precious "me" time is fast decreasing, make it a priority to spend at least 5 minutes relaxing.  Give your mind and body a chance to unwind.

Previous Tips
For tips 1-5, see past postings

Observe nature for 5+ min. 
Be "present" for 1 daily activity

Reconnecting Tip 6

Observe nature for 5+ min.  Have a great day!

Whatever glimpse of nature is around you, take a moment to appreciate it.  Notice the different colors of the leaves, the sounds of the birds or the faces or people around you.  I admit that I can be caught in the hurly-burly of checking my phone and dashing on errands so this is a good reminder for me to reconnect with nature.

Previous Tips
For tips 1-5, see past postings

Reconnecting Tip 3

Practice deep breathing for 3 min

If you already managed to spend 5 minutes in silence yesterday, then this help to strengthen your sense of calm.  As long as your health permits, you can practice deep breathing by breathing in deeply for a count of 8, holding for 8, and then exhaling for a counting of 8.  Additionally, if you catch yourself feeling stressed, you can slow down your breathing to feel more calm. 

Previous Tips
Notice what stresses you
Spend 5 min in silence

Reconnecting Tip 2

Spend 5 min in silence

Yes, you can sit out in nature if you wish or simply turn off the "noise" for 5 minutes.  If 5 minutes, seem to strenuous then try 2 minutes or 30 seconds.  The purpose of this is to reconnect with your mind and body.

Previous Tip
Notice what stresses you