Thriving Through Christmas – Part 2

In part 1 (which you can read here) I shared how, through practicing the power of the pause, we can become aware of some self-sabotaging traps we may be falling into and how in building positive intelligence we can shift to the positive power of our Sage within.

Now here are some positive planning tips.

1. Create an emergency relaxation plan

There are two places we need to go often, the place that heals us and the place that inspires us.

This Christmas find something to do or somewhere to go, that will energise you and help you feel peace within, irrespective of what is going on externally. Simply being in nature using all your senses, taking a mindful stroll outdoors every day, where you can breathe, feel your emotions and comfort them. Where you can feel safe in the present moment, grateful for the small things in life.

One of my emergency plans is playing an upbeat song and singing or dancing along. I have also bought a skipping rope to use outdoors, this Christmas, for a short energy boosting emergency exercise session. These can boost our “happy hormones” dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin naturally and can shift the brains focus to light-heartedness.

2. Practice mindfulness regularly

Eat mindfully; take time to taste all the delicious food on offer, give each bite time. Studies recommend 32 chews per bite. As you chew become consciously aware of taste, texture, temperature etc. Let the food nourish you in more ways than one!

3. Intentional breathing:

Breathing is the connection between mind and body. If you are surrounded by people and get little time to yourself, try to fit in, for example every time you visit the bathroom. Practice a minute of box breathing; breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 and repeat.

Neuorscience has proven intentional, conscious breathing techniques have powerful benefits. It calms our parasympathetic nervous system, helps us feel relaxed, and helps us cope better with stress. There are loads of apps like Headspace and Calm, with specific breathwork exercises, both of which I use, but there are also lots of free Youtube videos. Plan it into your daily routine, incorporate the power of the breath into the power of the pause. Your body will reap the rewards and thank you.

4. Digital detox

Be mindful of screen time, think of your posture and the strain it has on your eyes, head and neck. Respect all the parts of your body as they actually work as one whole entity and need your loving attention and care to thrive. The connection of “togetherness” is valuable beyond words and is what the best memories are made of.

Create a family digital lock box, where all the family have quality time together without a tech device in sight. Quality time makes memories, and we don’t even need to record all memories in photo or video.

5. Hugs and laughter

Remember the small joys of life and human connection daily. A smile is the curve that sets everything straight. Laugh as much as you can. Laughter with love and compassion is the best medicine. Love and laughter are healing, along with hugs. Hugs also increase the “happy hormone” oxytocin naturally, which promotes positive feelings in us.
Remember too to give yourself a hug from time to time, in fact every time you wrap a gift for someone, also wrap your arms around yourself.

6. Grief at Christmas

Like me, for those of you who have lost a loved one this year and will be grieving their loss, I extend my heartfelt love and compassion to you. Remember it takes sadness to know what happiness is and absence to value presence. I encourage you to lean into the grief and comfort it, and yourself every day, knowing that is what your loved one would truly want for you. Loving yourself and taking care of yourself with a peaceful spirit. I believe their love and light can shine in our lives even more brightly, even though, they are not physically present. Their energy and memories, and legacy they left behind, will never be forgotten

I hope you will join me this year, as I continue to practice saying goodbye to the stress of Saboteur’s self-sabotage, and welcoming in the Sage power of love and thriving.

Wishing you a healthy and peaceful Christmas, make fun, make laughter, make loving memories to share for a lifetime.