Joyful Holiday, Stress Free

Cheryl Jones-Reardon, who holds a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Connecticut and a certificate in spirituality from St. Joseph College, has joined the Watchdog team.

Creating a peaceful holiday season may not be so easy.

Depending on what kind a year you’ve had, you may experience some strong feelings.  The holidays can be anything but joyful when we’ve suffered losses; loss of a loved one, a job, a divorce, a move, or a health problem.  Negative emotions such as depression, anger, resentment, despair, and grief can come on in full force.

Whatever your losses, it is possible to find moments of peace.

When we’re living ‘in the moment’, we become able to notice both negative and positive emotions.  The problem is that when we’ve suffered a loss, we tend to focus on the negative.

The key is to become more aware of positive moments.  Notice the next time someone smiles at you.  Be present the next time someone hugs you.  Pay attention the next time your pet jumps up and sits in your lap.  The next time you see something beautiful, stop and really look at it. Stop.  Pay attention to your breath.  Allow yourself to ‘take in’ these moments.

It’s important to be with people that give you feelings of comfort.  Spend time with those who bring out the best in you and who leave you feeling energized.  If you don’t have this kind of support system, seek it out!

Give your time and energy! Sign up to work in a soup kitchen, deliver gift baskets to families in need, or read to children in a hospital.  There are so many ways to volunteer.  In giving, we receive!

If you’re managing strong negative emotions, it’s important to be kind to yourself and to practice a higher level of self-care.  Rest, exercise, and eat healthfully as often as possible.

Remember, everything about life is impermanent.  Whatever is causing you pain or hardship will pass.  Take it one breath, one moment at a time.

Seek professional help if you need it.  This is an act of self-love and self-compassion.  You deserve to be supported.

To help manage holiday stress, visit my website www.themindfulpath.com and subscribe to my newsletter. You’ll receive a free sitting meditation download.

Similar Posts:

• Cheryl’s Stressless Tip: Acceptance
• Cheryl’s Stressless Tip: Let Someone Help You
• Diligent Joy: Cultivating the Present Moment
• Cheryl Teaches Us The Basics Of Meditation
• Cheryl’s Stress-Free Tip: Tune In To Your Emotion
• Cheryl Teaches You How To Feel Better In 5 Minutes