As Dec 1st nears it is easy to get caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle or just the shear craziness of it all.  Our normal “to do list” can easily double overnight with: preparing for holiday parties, gift giving, school parties, work parties, holiday baking…(you name it and insert it here) not to mention our day jobs. Life can easily get full and overwhelming this time of year. 

Trust me I get it, having a family of 5 with 3 kids 10 and under, I also want to create magical moments for everyone but I have started to realize my limitations so I can remain a sane mom/wife/friend this time of year and not turn into this crazy head spinning person that has made special appearances over the years. I am not saying let everything go but I am saying it is very important to be thoughtful and mindful of what we are committing to. If you treasure baking with your family this time of year make that a priority, if it is exploring the crip outdoors plan an afternoon but remember you don’t have to do it all! I know we look and feel like Superwoman or Superman everyday but we don’t have to take on every little thing that comes our way.

One thing I do feel that we ALL need to DO is Slow Down, Breath and remember to Care For Yourself! Here are some quick and easy tips you can do to reconnect, recenter and refocus your energy wherever you are.

• Breath- simply close your eyes and focus on the natural rhythm of your breath. This simple act will get you more in tune with you and for the bonus you have to slow down to do this simple act. Even if it is for 15 secs you will feel a sense of calm and clarity.
• Focused Breath – simply close your eyes and take deep slow breaths, with each inhale and exhale count 1, count up to 5 and then restart at 1. This is a simple quick meditation I love to do when life gets full and hectic or when I can’t sleep. It is very calming and soothing, with each exhale I always feel my shoulders relax more and more.
• Go for a walk on your own. There is something special about having a moment of solitude. With intentional solitude we usually have grounding moments of thoughts, it is usually within these grounding moments of thought that the Truly Important things come to mind and clarity around the frivolous.  Quietly walking is in itself a form of meditation, where you can allow thoughts to come and go quietly through your mind.
• 4-7-8 Breathing: If you have followed my blog you know I am a fan of this breathing technique. It helps calm anxiety, center your thoughts, even helps with crying kids and allows you the space to fully connect to your breath and your heart. It is truly centering and forces you to slow do. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 and exhale for 8. You can do this seated, standing, eyes open or closed; it is truly up to you.

I invite you to look at this picture and bring your mind to this place. Even if at first you find it challenging just allow yourself to be present. Take peace in your breath, the natural rhythm of each inhale and each exhale. As thoughts come forth allow them space but them let them pass through your mind. Imagine each thought gently going out to sea and with that calmness release any tension you may have. Be here right now, with a present mind, heart and breath.

I hope these tips and techniques will help you ride the waves of the coming months and brings you clarity and calmness when it is needed the most.

If you would like additional help in finding mindful practices that suit your life please contact me at 4pillarscoaching@gmail.com for your complimentary session.

In Good Health!

Dana