The 6 Best Ways to Give Yourself the Gift of Serenity

As we edge closer to the end of the year, time seems to move more quickly, which is both blessing and curse.
 
With everyone being more aware of the calendar, work often picks up pace.  Organizations evaluate how productive they’ve been this year, and what’s still left on the corporate “to do” list.  Initiatives that have languished until now are getting renewed attention (if not resources) and there are new calls for getting things done, creating pressure.  
 
Home gets busier too with the run up to holidays.  So many cultures celebrate peace, light and love at this time of year, which makes the holidays special.  And puts pressure on schedules with travel planning (coordinating everyone’s time), gift giving and meal planning (making all the favourites, no matter how time consuming).
 
There’s a lot of expectation riding on you, both at home and at work.  I’ve often wondered why it can’t spread itself out better throughout the year, but here we are, the last few weeks in the year trying not only to make it all happen, but enjoy it too.
 
Enjoyment is usually the collateral damage of high expectations, at work and at home.  Give yourself the gift of serenity this holiday season, you won’t regret making this holiday one you enjoy.
 

• Fuel up.  There are chocolates, and cookies and all manner of goodies sitting in my kitchen.  On a busy day it’s tempting to just grab and go, without pay attention to the nutritional content.  Hangry happens not just because you’re hungry, but because you’re running on fumes + sugar/caffeine/salt, etc.  If you’re time crunched, pack yourself high-nutrition snacks to keep you going throughout the day.  Nuts, dried fruit, fresh veggies, hummus, all help to balance blood sugar and keep your head clear so you can get more done AND enjoy it.
• Walk with it.  One of the advantages to working from home is you can walk and talk.  To help everyone’s stress levels, consider making some meetings walking meetings, where people join by phone and have the option to walk while attending.  Walking is good for you physically, but it is also amazing for your productivity and creativity.  Have a problem you’re just not able to solve? Go for a 15–20-minute walk, by the time you’re back at your front door you’ll have cracked it.
• Stay hydrated.  As tempting as it is to have a seasonal bevvy in your hand (or to start your day), those mocha-frappy-minty-creamy-crème brule drinks are empty calories and the sugar can make you jittery (especially if it’s a meal replacement). Consider a really nice tea, water with lemon, mint or seasonal berries in it (making your water look and taste festive).  Staying hydrated also allows you to stay energized throughout the day, avoiding the afternoon slump.
• Rituals work.  With higher expectations, longer “to-do” lists and added pressure comes a departure from routine.  Running errands to and from work, working longer hours (for work or home) can knock you off your stride.  Sure, it’s “just for now” but try and keep routine in place where you can.  A stable morning ritual, or a comforting bed-time routine can create that island of sanctuary you need in the midst of chaos.
• Meditate.  Meditation offers so many benefits, even if you’ve never done it before.  Apps like Headspace and Calm can get you started.  Meditation is something you can do anywhere; in the car in a parking lot, at your desk, waiting for the kids.  Everyone benefits from 5-10 minutes of intentional peace and deep breathing, creating a serenity bubble you can go to anytime.
• Just say “no”.  You cannot fit everything in, and trying means you’ll deplete yourself and can’t enjoy the magic of the holidays (or worse, get so run-down you get sick).  At a time when expectations and hopes are high it can feel “grinchy” to turn someone down, or turn away yet more work.  Objectively look at what fits in the available time you have and what doesn’t to say “no” to the right things, for the right reason, so you can be focused, productive AND enjoy your holidays.

 
Do not allow expectations to rob you of the enjoyment of the season, at home or at work.  The holiday blues happen when you’ve worked yourself beyond your limits and have no energy (or good will) left to enjoy the season – even though you got it all done.  This isn’t something that only impacts you, it impacts your loved ones too.
 
Give yourself the gift of serenity, and make the best holiday memories with family and friends.

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