Take a Breath

The holiday season is upon us.  We have enjoyed Thanksgiving and now are eagerly anticipating Christmas and New Year's.  And as much as we enjoy these festive and meaningful holidays, we are sometimes so rushed and stressed trying to get everything done that we can't fully enjoy the moments.

We need to take a breath.....Quite literally.

Try this simple little formula for taking a breath this holiday season - and see if it helps you.

• Get up 10 minutes earlier - and plan your day.  Some plan their day in their heads and others create an elaborate spreadsheet while others just make an old-fashioned list.  How you do it is not nearly as important as actually making the plan.  And have an extra cup of coffee or tea as you plan.
• Listen to music.  Music soothes the soul.  And it is a tremendous motivator as well. 
• Read for pleasure - at least for a few minutes.  It takes you away from the daily grind and provides a nice respite - even if only for a few minutes.
• Connect with a friend for a few minutes - or a few for a minute or two.  Staying in contact with others keeps us more balanced.  It also gives us a short break from our own troubles.
• Enjoy your dinner - whatever it is - and take the time to sit down and relax.  Whether it is of a frozen microwave variety or something you've prepared yourself, take the time to sit down and taste it.  If you have the benefit of dining with others, enjoy the conversation.  If you're dining alone, enjoy the solitude of the moment.
• Watch, listen or read the news for 30 minutes or less - otherwise it can add much more stress than we need.
• And before bedtime, do at least one thing you enjoy just for you.

This simple little formula for taking a breath this holiday season may not take all your stress away - but it may provide some much-needed breathing space.  And, if it works, it may just keep on working after the holidays are long gone.


Sara Fitts owns SLF Consulting and specializes in developing Simple Little Formulas for your success.  Please visit www.SLFConsulting.com for more information.