Okay people...this one is a good one. I mean it does allow us to justify our pampering of ourselves. During the holidays there is so much stress running around. Stress does not have to be a bad thing. Stress occurs when we overextend ourselves; with our commitments, with our time, with our expectations, and more.
There has been extensive research that during the holidays, stress is highly escalated. The fact of the matter is that stress can lead to many problems. It leads to lack of restful sleep which can cause driving accidents. It leads to a lack of patience which affects our families, our friends, and our clients. It can lead to physiological problems such as a heart attack. It can even lead to suicide...in extreme cases. It is my hope that this safety threat is taken seriously. It can sound like such fluff, even a joke. Especially in this "me" world in which we live. It is, however, true, and the following is my solid prescription for stress management...
Take time in your day to exercise. Whether it is in the morning, in the evening, or mid day. Whether it is walking for 20 minutes, running for an hour, or doing resistance training at your local gym. When you do ~ focus on what you are doing, letting go of the tension, and really working your muscles. You will feel so much better...and be so much healthier, as the workout will afford you energy and when appropriate, great sleep!
Pamper yourself. Go have a pedicure, a massage, a facial treatment, or whatever your little heart desires!m Go with an girlfriend, go by yourself. Whatever will bring you the greatest amount of stress reduction. If you need to recharge in quiet, go alone. If you are like me and like to have a close friend to chat with...phone them and you can decompress together!
LAUGH! Laugh at yourself. Do not take yourself and your mistakes too seriously. Enjoy the season. I mean, really, if Paris can enjoy the "Day Spa" of prison, how much more can you laugh at your funny moments in life!
Pray and spend quiet time in meditation with God daily. Focusing on the bigger picture of life can eliminate the pettiness of those things that seem overwhelming to us. On top of that, God really loves us and wants for us to rest. Even He took the seventh day off to rest...the whole day.
Plan your time wisely. Do not overextend yourself (I am making a mental note to self here)! Pick and choose what is important. That way, when the unexpected circumstances of life pop up, there is availability to fit them in.
Putting some (or all) of these into place will reduce your stressand make this holiday season as good as it can be. It will keep you safe, and it will keep those around you safe! I truly hope that you will have a fantabulous Christmas with your family...with your friends...with those who matter most to you!
I will be watching, reading, and writing...as soon as I get my pedicure done! :)
18 Comments on Twelve Days of Safety ~~ On the Third Day
Sarah-Absolutely so true. After playing in the snow with my munchkins, I'll be off to a pedicure, then home to play a fun family game together and laugh like crazy and then pray for all the gratitude I have for this beautiful day. Thank you for such a great post!
Hi Julie ~ Thanks! And, I am so glad that you get a few moments with your family and alone. That is a recipe for stress reduction! :) Enjoy your day! :)
Hi Suzanne ~ Yes, exercise makes me much less stressed for sure! As for the pedicure...let me know where and I will figure out a when! :) Have a great night!
Hi Aziz ~ Portland is only about 15 minutes. We are in the "Tri-county" area of Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties. Are you familiar with the area?
Laughing while exercising is a good thing for sure! :) Thanks for stopping by!
Sally ~ My dad passed away at 54 and you are so right about life being too short. I am glad that my Daddy lived life to it's fullest. We have so many great memories of him! Thank you for your comments! :) Enjoy your week...get a pedicure!
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Sarah-Absolutely so true. After playing in the snow with my munchkins, I'll be off to a pedicure, then home to play a fun family game together and laugh like crazy and then pray for all the gratitude I have for this beautiful day. Thank you for such a great post!