15 Ways to Survive the Christmas Chaos
15 WAYS TO SURVIVE THE CHRISTMAS CHAOS
December is a month of intense polarities. There is the festive cheer, Christmas parties, the warmer days and long summer nights. In contrast this time can send us into panic and overwhelm as we push ourselves to the limit. It might seem like everyone ‘wants a piece of you’ and 'everything feels like a race'.
This can be an intense time emotionally as old family triggers, hurts and wounds come to the surface as many face seeing their families for Christmas.Turn the feelings of depletion and overwhelm by following these simple ideas. You will feel restored, nourished and rejuvenated and be able to head into the festive season with a renewed sense of confidence.
WAKE UP ON A HIGH:
How we start the day sets us up for the day! Before the negative thoughts enter the mind of all the to-do’s of the day ahead STOP take a breath and have gratitude for all the amazing things you have in your life. Start the day expecting all good things coming your way and focus on all the things you have right here and now.Set the intention the night before to wake up with these positive thoughts. Do NOT get out of bed until you have happy positive thoughts.
STAY CENTRED THROUGH MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION:
Make meditation part of your morning routine. You will find that it sets you up positively for the day. It doesn’t have to be a long meditation. In my recent newsletter, I shared how I start my day by listening to the Daily calm app which is a ten-minute meditation, then work through to others.
MORNING PAGES:
Morning pages are a powerful tool from the book The Artists Way by Julia Cameron. The process is sitting with a journal and writing three pages allowing the words you are writing to flow. Keep writing without stopping until you have completed your three pages. Sometimes you may feel like you have nothing to write, the key is to not overthink the process but to flow with your writing. This is an amazing way to clear the clutter from your mind. You will find those amazing insights will start to emerge.
YOGA:
Reset your nervous system with this Kundalini Kriya https://youtu.be/gK118KEGWKc .
Here is a simple yoga pose of legs up the wall for instant calming https://www.doyouyoga.com/6-benefits-of-legs-up-the-wall-pose-48440/
FIND TIME TO EXERCISE:
Finding time in your busy December schedule to exercise can be difficult. Sometimes it feels as though there are not enough hours in the day to fit in a good workout. The benefits of even a short work out is worth paying attention to – mental clarity and focus and positive mindset. A short walk around the block can do wonders!
CHANGE YOUR SELF TALK:
Buddha once said, “ Since everything is a reflection of our minds, everything can be changed by our minds”. Our repetitive negative thought patterns can quickly become habits and in turn, beliefs. Upon noticing the negative thoughts quickly change through a process of delay and distraction which is a simple as distracting yourself. Put on some music, go for a walk, meditate, journal, anything to distract the mind.
FOCUS ON ONE THING:
Rather than overwhelm yourself with the endless list of things to do, tackle one thing at a time. Once that one thing is done only then move onto the next thing.
HEALING NATURAL MEDICINE:
This is a time when we need to ensure we are taking our drops to bring balance and harmony. A few examples are
Anxierty Mix – my absolute favourite drops! Taking No More Worries is like lifting the veil of burdens from your shoulders
Australian Bush Flower Essences : Paw Paw for overwhelm, Sundew for grounding and centring, Calm and Clear to calm and clear your mind, Emergency Essence when you need that stronger boost to bring about calm
All of these are available in the clinic.
LISTEN TO YOUR HEART:
The heart is the most powerful tonic to clear confusion. When you listen to your heart, you know what feels true for you in this moment. Makes choices from what I do feel about this rather than what do I think about this.
LEARNING TO LET GO OF THE NEED TO BE PERFECT:
Stop beating yourself up over everything. Refrain from punishing yourself for what you eat, haven’t done or your guilty thoughts. Release judgment on yourself and work with the new belief “I am enough”. Accept yourself for who you are not who you should, or will be.
COMMIT TO WHAT REALLY MATTERS TO YOU:
Are you over-committing? Doing all the things you think you should be doing? Is this based on what seems to matter to everyone else – rather than committing what really matters to you? How can you start committing to things that bring you joy and energy rather than heartache?
BOUNDARIES:
Our boundaries can definitely be triggered this time of year. Having awareness around your boundary setting is essential this time of year.
SELF-CARE AND QUIET TIME:
Give yourself the luxury of quiet time. Take yourself off for a nap or meditate when needed and ensure you get a decent night’s sleep each night. Remember to fill up your cup so you can allow the overflow to others.
WHOLESOME FOOD:
An obvious answer, right? Yes, it is hard to do with all the Christmas parties, limited time for cooking healthy meals as we rush through the door. Simple things such as removing unhealthy food from the house, consciously make healthy choices, and noticing why you are eating can all help. Think about whether you are eating because I’m feeling emotional, needing energy or am I eating for something to do?
TAKE A TECHNOLOGY BREAK:
Technology can eat up so much of our time. Cut back on screen time and social media. Being constantly connected is feeding the fuel to the fire of overwhelming.
Above all this Christmas, do what is right for you. It is much easier to deal with the challenges of the season when you feel centred, calm and in control.
