'Tis the Season... To Spice Up Life

By Nicole Mitchell

Every year families gather, the air outside is frigid, people run into stores, donate tons of money, and are nice to others. There’s a sense of romance in the air; the idea of cuddling up by the fire, playing music and singing along, making delicious meals, family traditions, laughter, remembrance, family trips, and happiness. While all of this is good and fun, the holidays can also be stressful with unexpected snowstorms, accidents, black ice, loss of power, delays, loneliness, injuries, and the scrooges in the world.

The holidays are a happy time of year and should stay that way. Here are some tips on how to stay positive and stress free this holiday season.
Language:
• Words to avoid; these words put you in a negative state of mind.
*Everything
*Never
*Nothing
Instead use:
o Only
o Temporary
o Some
• Communication
o Call family and tell them what you plan on doing and explain everything to them so you are still on the same page
Health:
• Eat fruits and vegetables
• Drink a lot of water; this will reduce your urge to mindlessly snack on food. A person should drink eight 8oz glasses of water
a day; you can also switch up what you drink between water, juice, tea, etc.
• Exercise
oYoga
oAerobics
• Get 8 hours of sleep a night
• Drink hot beverages- tea, hot chocolate, coffee
• Get a massage; you do not have to pay for a massage, switch off with a friend for a 5-minute massage. Receiving a massage
and giving a massage will reduce stress.
• Take a hot bath

Mind:
• Plan ahead
• Make a list
• Realize everything does not have to be perfect
• Reduce criticism
• Push away negative thoughts
• Stay quiet if you have a negative thought or reaction
• Remember you can only change yourself
• Be realistic
• Put a dab of essential oils on your wrist or on the collar of your shirt, some relaxing scents are:
o Lavender
o Peppermint
o Cinnamon
o Nutmeg
o Chamomile
o Cedar
o Lemon
o Thyme
• Take deep breaths
• Count backwards from 10
• Go outside and get some fresh air
o Close your eyes and listen to the sounds
o Keep your eyes shut and see what you can smell
• De-clutter your house or desk
• Donate clothes; the satisfaction of giving will make you feel important because it’s not just about us.
o Goodwill
o Salvation Army
o Dress for Success
• Play Christmas music
• Buy a coloring book
o Doodling will distract you and use the other side of your brain

So this holiday season, if you find yourself in a pinch or a little frazzled, take a minute to re-gather yourself and remember, have fun this season!