The Marketers’ Senate

Holidays come pre-packaged with stress - thanks
to relatives, airports, malls and bills. The usual demands of the
holiday season can stretch your physical and emotional limits, and if you
are not prepared, leave you so stressed you are unable to enjoy special
times. With all the shopping, cooking, planning, spending, and traveling,
it is so easy to fall into the trap of doing too much, ignoring our own
needs, and ending up in meltdown mode. A sense of control lessens
the stress load. Cultivate the conscious intention to care of yourself and
those holiday obligations in a more centered way. Here are five
simple ways to tame holiday stress and nurture your own spirit:

1. Start Early. Give yourself plenty of time to get prepared. The
earlier you get things done, the more time you’ll have to enjoy parties
and other holiday activities. When preparing for holiday events and
activities, allow plenty of time to avoid unneeded stress and last-minute
rushing.

2. Avoid Caffeine. Coffee, tea, cola, ‘energy’ drinks and
chocolate are used so unconsciously in our culture that most users have
no idea they are mind-altering drugs. These caffeine containing foods
and drinks can make you feel jumpy, anxious, and fearful. They can
interfere with your ability to relax and sleep, thus compounding holiday
stress. Try herbal teas blended for relaxation.

3. Lighten Up. Some people are especially sensitive to lack of
sunlight. Since daylight is scarce in winter months, holiday blues can be
amplified. Exposure to full-spectrum lights may brighten your spirits. Try
to get outside for a while each day, preferably for some exercise or a
meditative walk. 20 minutes outside right now will make you feel better.

4. Exercise. A brisk walk, a group fitness class, or thirty minutes
of strength training can naturally relieve holiday-induced tension.
Exercise also helps neutralize the damage Christmas cookies and
eggnog reek on waistlines. Acknowledge that you probably will not
always have time for your full workout routine during the holidays, and
plan for that. Do what you can, but don’t stop.

5. Breathe. Conscious breathing is the single most effective
relaxation technique. When you feel like a Christmas cookie about to
crumble, try this simple yogic breathing exercise…it’s simple and can be
done anywhere:

-Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind
your upper front teeth. Keep it there during the exercise as
comfortable.

-Exhale completely through your mouth, making a ‘whoosh’ sound.

-Next, close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a
mental count of four.

-Hold your breath for a count of seven.

-Then, completely exhale through your mouth, making a ‘whoosh’
sound to a count of eight.

This is one breath cycle. Now, inhale again and repeat the
cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Knowing the difference between changeable and unchangeable
sources of stress does require wisdom. A positive attitude is an
invaluable tool. An optimistic focus is essential for enjoying the holidays,
or at least surviving holiday stress. After you have done what you can,
go with the flow.

© 2005 Karen B. Cohen All Rights Reserved.

Karen B. Cohen C.L.C. RYT500 is a wellness coach and master yoga
instructor, writer and speaker residing in a college town in rural Virginia.
Karen leads people to their own limitless supply of creativity and vitality
so that they can express their talent and abilities fully in the world. She
incorporates her expertise in mind-body techniques to teach clients how
to harness stress for their greatest success. Karen provides seminars
and workshops, as well as individual coaching and training, nationally
and internationally. For more information go to KarenCohenYoga.blogspot.com
and RockbridgeCoaching.blogspot.com