by Elissa McGahren, 12/01/07
The day after Halloween, I walked into a store and was greeted by holiday music and decorated trees! The first hint of PANIC began to stir in my stomach!
I’m thinking Thanksgiving, not New Year‘s Eve. I haven‘t even taken the picture for this year‘s Christmas cards, let alone addressing and mailing them! Shopping? I’m yet to make the list and they say it‘s time to wrap and ship in order to “avoid the rush.” And how will I ever get my own decorating done while attending the parties and gatherings of others…all in addition to my regular busy routine and duties!?
Here it is November 1st and I am already stressed!! Is that you? If so, my challenge to you (and to myself) this year, is to STOP. Stop and take a deep breath. How do you want this holiday season to go? Here’s how you can enjoy every minute:
1. Decide What’s Really Important to You - Write it down. What do you love about the holidays and what can you do without? Can you trim your to-do list down to what is really important? Can you say no to requests of your time and energy for the not-so-important items? I call this exercising your “No” muscle…and just like in muscle building, the more you use it, the easier and stronger you get!
2. Take Care of Your Body - It can be so easy to use your gym time for shopping or skip preparing healthy meals while grabbing fast food so you have extra time. This will backfire! You need the stress release and endorphins you get when you work out. Your body needs good nutrition and 7-8 hours sleep. Your immune system will thank you and your waistline will too!
3. Do ONE Thing at a Time - For years I considered myself the ultimate multi-tasker - never a wasted moment in my day. I spent a lot of time telling myself “when this or that is done, then I can be happy”. Guess what? It’s a bottomless list. But “now” is all you ever really have! I came to realize that, while no-one else was caring, I just ended up not enjoying the “now” of my life. Resolve to do (and enjoy) just one thing at a time this holiday season.
4. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy - In your past, what did you value most about the holidays? Think back, and again, make a list. Ask yourself: “If this was to be my last holiday season, how would I like to spend it?” Decide to do just that: SLOW DOWN and enjoy the shopping, the food, conversation, company, music and every little detail about the holiday. Relax and enjoy your journey!
Elissa McGahren is a Life Coach and certified Personal Trainer. She assists others in designing & building the life of their dreams! For more information or a free life coaching or personal training session, please contact her at 770-409-0997 or Elissa@coachmcgahren.com.
|