Have you looked forward to a break then by the time you get there you spend the first few days of feeling unwell and exhausted trying to recover?
The festive season and summer holidays are times to look forward to, and the anticipation can be underpinned by many emotions. Planning your workload while you are away, planning family occasions and creating awesome memories. Buying presents that you hope will be meaningful and appreciated. Along with this comes financial and/or time pressures.
There are many who are far away from their family and friends, those that have lost loved ones and feel sorrow and grief, and those that feel lonely and isolated when everyone else seems to have plans and be surrounded by loved ones.
Here are some strategies to support your wellbeing and flourishing. Remember though – you need to practice and apply your strategies for them to work!
Breathe Yes – you are obviously breathing otherwise you would have some difficulties reading these tips! It’s how you breathe that is so very important. Deepen and balance your breathing and make sure your diaphragm is moving as opposed to your shoulders. If you are feeling anxious and stressed, breathe out for longer as this activates your relaxation, rest and digestive system.
Mindset Become aware of your internal voice and of the story you are telling yourself. Notice if these stories are supporting you or undermining you. For example, if you are saying to yourself ‘I have too much to do and not enough time’, your body will react to this thought, and you will find yourself shallow breathing and, in a flight, or fight state. Keep in mind that your brain is your servant and will agree with everything you tell it. If you focus on negative things, they will grow bigger. Make sure you reframe your thoughts to be more supportive of how you want to be.
Simplify and prioritize What does the festive season mean to you and yours? Maybe it’s time to update and simplify what you do. What do you really want at this time of year? Do you need to do all the things you have on your to do list? What value do these things add to your life and those you love? Are you caught up in the retailers marketing strategy on gifts?
Choose positive language Language creates your reality and impacts everything, from your inner world to our external environment. Frame things up in a positive and supportive way.
Practice Gratitude Take a few moments each day to think about the positive things you have going on in your life and be present as you reflect and feel gratitude.
Emotions If you are feeling down, blue, anxious, overwhelmed, or any of the plethora of negative emotions you can experience, speak to someone! Talking about how you feel helps to reduce their intensity. If you have recently lost a loved one, allow yourself to feel sorrow, and think about the wonderful times you had with your loved one. Consider how you can honour and celebrate them.
Exercise Get moving! The release of endorphins through exercise gives you a natural boost. Go for a walk at lunch, or park further away and stride out to your car!
Drink water Hydrating is a wonderful energizer.
Smile!
Remember that you get to choose your mindset and your state. Choose wisely!
Jean Schoultz | Executive Coach, Conflict Resolution Specialist, Mediator & Trainer