dec 26/21 - How to slow down, especially during the holidays!

Christmas with my grandchildren Dec 26, 2021

Merry Christamas to everyone! What a crazy time of year!

Let’s face it, the holiday season is BUSY. Even if you don’t have family close and spend Christmas alone we tend to do a bit more around the holidays. If you are alone at Christmas maybe you find yourself working more to cover shifts for those so they can be with their families at Christmas. If you do have family functions and especially if you have young children then I don’t need to tell you how busy life can be in December. 

So how do we just SLOW down? 

Is this even possible?  It most certainly is! 

#1 BE PRESENT

The single #1 thing you can do to instantly SLOW is to be PRESENT! 
Yes, be PRESENT. Ok, so how do we do that?

It is not enough to just slow down - we need to take a minute and to breathe, to sit peacefully for even a few minutes and close our eyes and think about the PRESENT moment.

During these busy times it is so easy to start thinking of all the things we need to do but we need to be aware of this and bring ourselves back to the present moment. 

#2 GO OUTSIDE

There is nothing like fresh air, even if it is cold out, to literally awaken your spirit. Now if it's -30 out it will awaken your spirit very fast but then as soon as you get back indoors the first thought that should cross your mind is to be grateful. Grateful for this moment in time where you can go back inside to your warm home. 

If you live in a beautiful, warm client then heading outdoors will just bring a smile to your face. Feeling the sun touch your skin is one of the most calming and energizing things we can feel. 

If it’s raining, grab an umbrella and go outside anyway and enjoy the fresh smell of the rain, enjoy the way the water nourishes the plants and trees and by doing this you are also being present. 

#3 SNEAK IN “ME” TIME
 
This may seem like an impossible task but it needs to be a priority. If you have to practice #2-go outside to get away then do that and you surely become more present as in #1. Even if it means you steal a few moments here or there this is an important part of slowing down. If all else fails, steal a few more minutes here and there when you use the washroom. It’s the one place where you can pretty much be guaranteed to be alone!

Thank you for following my journey to writing a book series! I am off to one of the Blue Zones next...Costa Rica!
Stay balanced,
​LeeAnna