Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Tis The Season

~~Stress Less This Christmas~~
 Christmas is right around the corner, and I haven’t purchased one single gift . . . not for ANYONE! I’m still busy sorting and decluttering after moving. I haven’t done any decorating. No tree, no garland, and the stockings are NOT hung by the chimney AT ALL!

 I hadn’t thought much about it until my daughter offered me a small Christmas tree that she was preparing to donate to Goodwill. Then . . . a light came on in my head . . . It’s time to decorate for Christmas! That thought, along with my already convoluted “to-do” stuff, triggered something inside me . . . STRESS!

 Since I am already coping with some level of stress, I need to do something to relieve it. I learned some time ago that effective stress-relief techniques focus on relaxing the mind and the body.

For starters, I can relieve a lot of my stress by dumping limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are those things I believe about myself that place limitations on my abilities.

Question: Is it possible to relieve stress?

Answer: Yes. But, before I go on if your level of stress is serious, consult your physician. But, if you think you can take charge of your stress, here are a few things that can help.

- Learn to have a sense of humor
- Try yogano legs behind the neck here though
Aroma therapy works wonders
Exercise for 30 minutes

- Take a walk in the fresh air

-Listen to some relaxing music
- Try dance and creative movement
Eat Chocolate, eat it in moderation or open a candy bar and just smell it
Relaxation & deep breathing exercises provide immediate relief
- Take a six minute vacation (let your mind wander freely)
Communicate: talking with friends, family, a counselor, or a member of the clergy   about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve stress
- Set more realistic goals: for yourself and others (those close to you)
- Develop a hobby: writing, blogging, fishing, knitting, photography, woodworking, anything. Do something fun with your hands




Find your inner peace - - learn how to relieve your stress by finding what works best for you. 

Let us know your favorite ways to de-stress in the comments section

29 comments:

  1. Good and beneficial advice for stress relief! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there, DUTA. It's good to see you. Thank you for visiting my blog. You make blogging fun. Your visits and your comments are encouraging.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Christine, it's good to see you. Thank you for visiting and commenting here today. That’s so nice of you.

      Delete
  3. I hope your stress abates and that you have a joyous holiday season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, AC. I'm happy to see you. Thank you for this heartwarming comment! It’s so nice that you came by to read here and to leave this nice comment.

      Delete
  4. Take a deep breath! You don't have to decorate ya know, especially if no peeps are coming by. Lowers my stress level a lot, especially when working extra shifts. Just do what YOU want to do. Merry Christmas for YOU! Linda in Kansas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, Linda. I'm tickled to see you and I agree with you. I'm thinking seriously about NOT decorating since I'm not expecting company. Thank you, I appreciate this touching comment! It’s really nice that you stopped in to read here and to leave this sweet comment.

      Delete
  5. These are all fabulous ideas. I love the chocolate one a lot. I've been under a lot of stress lately too and have to slow down. No Christmas tree at our house this year. There was no room with our termite problem having to be solved.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good to see you, Kay. I love the chocolate idea a lot too. I’m delighted that you visited my blog. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post and for sharing here. Your sharing is very motivating.

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting and commenting. That’s nice of you.

      Delete
  7. It's too bad Christmas is so stressful. I'm sure many of these tips are helpful, but sometimes one has to look at the root causes. Is it really a good thing for almost everyone to get this stressed out every December engaging in rituals that no longer have much meaning to most of them? Would the people for whose benefit you're doing it want you to put such a burden on yourself, or are they equally stressed and resentful at feeling obligated to do all their own Christmas stuff?

    At some point many years ago my own family came to an unspoken agreement that we just weren't going to participate in most holiday stuff any more. No more fretting about finding things to buy for people who didn't really want or need them, no more putting time and effort into traditions that meant nothing to us. It saved a lot of money -- and stress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there, Infidel. I’m happy that you visited my blog today. Thank you for taking the time to come by to read my post and for sharing your insights with us. Your sharing is truly thought-provoking."

      Delete
    2. Thank you. I should amend my comment to say that, of course, if children are involved, that's different because they can get a lot of fun out of Christmas. But holidays tend to steadily expand their demands (so that retailers can make more money off of them), and when it's not for the kids, I think it's OK to resist that.

      Delete
    3. This is another great point, Infidel . . . when children are involved, things should be colorful, bright, and as festive as one can achieve. I totally agree with you on this.

      Delete
  8. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! This post is so joyful and inspiring to read. Thank very, very much!
    I liked what you wrote about having a sense of humor, it'certainly helps in many situations. I need to learn relaxation and breathing but I am lazy. Either way, my very best wishes to you in this Christmas season!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kaya, so good to see you. I’m thrilled that you came by today. Thank you for taking the time to come over to read my post and especially for sharing your heartwarming words here. Your sharing is very motivating."

      Delete
  9. I usually haven't bought any Xmas gifts yet but I have this year. And you haven't bought any? ARRGGGHHH! You win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's good to see you, Mike. I’m very thankful that you visited here. Your visit and the comment you left brightened my day! Thank you for being my blogging friend. Wishing you a HAPPY and BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!

      Delete
    2. Thank you for your visit and for this smile-making comment. That’s nice of you.

      Delete
  10. I so enjoyed reading your post. Stress can creep up on us every once in awhile. I guess that's why I took up crafting as I can really get into it and forget about every thing else. As I told our family, as long as we are together and everyone is well we don't need any decorations. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Just sit back and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there, Nancy. It is such a delight that you stopped by to check-in and say hi. I especially appreciate your warmhearted comment. Thank you! You are so thoughtful. Wishing you a HAPPY and BLESSED Christmas!!

      Delete
  11. we love walking.... almost every day...
    # Merry Christmas to you and yours

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I’m happy that you visited my blog, thank you for commenting. Walking... almost every day is great!

      Delete
  12. Taking a walk can help immensely.

    Sending my good wishes.
    Happy Holidays, and Happy Christmas.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, Jan. Thank you for visiting my blog. Your visits and your comments are encouraging.

      Delete
  13. Replies
    1. Hi, Mike. Thank you for visiting and for commenting.

      Delete

I'm so glad you came by. PLEASE, let me know you were here and leave a comment.

Have a wonderful wonderful day!