Have the holidays exhausted you? While they may be “the most wonderful time of the year”, they are also the most proscribed. Expectations, demands, year-end requirements, cookies to be made, cards to be written, gifts to be purchased or made and sent. Friends and family to see which often requires travel — which is a nightmare in itself. Huge gatherings … and on and on.
If you are exhausted, you earned it! So what can you do for yourself to keep going to make it through New Years? Make a little space for yourself. One way is to get a little quiet. Headphones and/or a short walk is an immediate stress release. Go in the bathroom and sing a favorite childhood song. Lay on the bed with a warm wash cloth on your forehead. Sit on the floor (or wherever), close your eyes and breathe deeply for 10+ breaths.
When the crowds cease, and you are on to New Years, improve your environs just a bit. What bugs you the most? Your closet, some cupboard in the bathroom or the kitchen, or your desk? Pick one or all of them and set a timer for at least 30 minutes. Ready, set, go. You don’t have to stop at 30 minutes, but you can if YOU wish. Ha,ha! Something you can control. Unlike the joyous chaos, or just the plain chaos of the holidays….
During the holidays, the friends and family members who are no longer with us pop into my consciousness. I remember times with them, something they said, their smile. I try to make memories like that with the family especially with the grandkids. I bet you do, too.
May the New Year bring us all closer together in our shared humanity.
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