The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it. ~Author Unknown
Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply? ~Carrie Latet
Jim and I just returned from African safari. A trip of a lifetime. My cell phone was stolen, one of our airline reservations was cancelled without notice and, my beloved mother and a dear friend passed away while I was gone. But you know what I learned? Thousands of miles away, in places where animals outnumber people, I learned that a brilliant sunset is more memorable than a Broadway play. I learned that being connected in person is more important than being connected online. I learned that live goes on…and what we make of it is up to us. Choose to live life with abundance.
Tis’ the season when we give lip service to rest and reflection, but in reality give in to stress and frustration. Let’s do things differently. Here’s three quick ways to de-stress your holiday season (and a couple of extras):
1. Learn the value of personal giving. Gift cards are useful and convenient; just don’t forget to give yourself along with them. Write a short, heartfelt note on a real card and tuck it in your present. Be a “secret Santa” to strangers: Buy the cup of coffee for the person in line behind you. And don’t forget HUGS!
2. Smile. They’re contagious! Sometimes the harried shopper circling the parking lot just needs a “facelift.” Try smiling at people – watch their involuntary ROI!
3. S…L…O…W down! Group your shopping trips by location. Spend as little time in your car as possible. Set a realistic budget and stick to it; when the money’s gone, the shopping’s done. Those of you who know me KNOW that I need to remind myself of this one!!!
4. Confine your “naughty & nice” list to people who love you for YOU…not for what you buy them. Don’t put a price tag on it – homemade cookies (lovin’ from the oven) could mean far more than a pricey, dysfunctional gift.
5. A long, hot bath covers a multitude of frazzle….
So…what do YOU do to relieve stress?
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