Beat the Holiday Overwhelm in 60 Seconds (or less)

The holiday season is here and with it come the beautiful lights, family gatherings and parties; but for many of us it’s also the time of year where we feel like there is too much to do and not enough time. Life is already full as it is, and the holiday season can feel even more overwhelming and hectic. Between holiday parties, office potlucks, presents to buy and end of year celebrations there is little time to breath. It’s no wonder by the time the New Year rolls around we are exhausted and not feeling our best.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could find a way to stop feeling like we are running in 10 different directions, spinning in circles, crossing things off our overflowing “to do” list and actually enjoy the holiday season; feeling balanced, healthy and happy. 

One of the easiest ways to make this happen is by slowing down--even if it’s just a few minutes or seconds. This gives us the space we need to figure out what’s important, what needs to get done and what can wait (or not be done at all).  

But, how do we slow down when everyday feels like we are we are drinking water from a fire hose? The easiest way is to make a point of taking a few seconds everyday to focus on breathing and give yourself time to transition from one activity to another. Doing this allows your mind to stop going at a million miles a minute, reduces overwhelm and helps you get clear on your priorities.

As we go through the busyness of the next few weeks, I want to challenge you to make an effort to take a pause and breath more. All it takes is a few mindful breaths throughout your day. 
Here are some easy ways to slow down--even on the busiest days:  

• Before getting out of bed take three deep belly breaths--notice if your day is off to a better start.
• Take a few deep breaths between activities. If you are running from work, to the kids end of the year concert, followed by holiday party; take a minute to sit in the car, your office or home and take three deep breaths between each of those activities.
• At the end of the day, take a few minutes to let your workday go and transition to what the evening has in store.
  • Rather than jump into the car, drive home and rush into home life—making dinner, running to after school activities, the gym, etc.—take a few minutes to decompress and focus on what you want your evening to feel and look like.
  • This should not be complicated; just take a few minutes on your commute home or in the car before walking into the house.
• Schedule a pause once a day: take a deep breath, unclench your jaw and hands, drop your shoulders. Notice how much better you feel.
• Look at your calendar and schedule extra time for transitions. This can be as simple as taking an extra 5 minutes between activities or giving yourself a bigger cushion and leaving extra time between events throughout your day.
  • Try leaving 10 minutes earlier than you normally would or plan to arrive 2 or 5 minutes before everyone else. If you get there early? Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

Would love to hear how you tackle the holiday craziness. What mindful transition are you going to try this holiday season? What are your best strategies for dealing with the holiday crush?