High Anxiety

This time of year, with its emphasis on excessive merry-making and gift-giving, combined with cold weather, shorter days, and a challenging economy would cause even the jolliest of Santas to pack his sled and head back to the North Pole to hibernate just like their grizzly neighbors so wisely do.

Our focus is on parties and socializing, yet our natural tendency is to go inward for the winter; we are pulled to do all of these external things in a very short amount of time when we should be winding down and checking in with ourselves and preparing for the New Year. As a result, we find ourselves off balance in a big way. It’s no wonder anxiety and stress levels skyrocket and we just try to do our best not to crack under the pressure of the ho-ho-ho!

So how to make it through the holidaze intact? We need to be extra-mindful, stay centered and connected to ourselves, and not go to extremes or make any major decisions. Have an extra dose of patience with yourself and others; take deep breaths; laugh it off; do lots of yoga, tai-chi and meditation; use Rescue Remedy; have a massage; make soup; get some fresh air; spend quality time with good friends; cuddle with your loved ones; and most of all be kind and gentle to yourself.

Another idea is to give yourself the gift of having a session with someone (like me!) who can offer an unbiased, positive perspective; someone to help put you back on track and in balance wherever you need it. Because being able to identify what’s is going on in your head and ridding whatever is ho-ho-holding you back will enable you to enjoy a truly peaceful and joyous holiday season and beyond!