Entrepreneur, optimist, connecter of people and ideas. Sometimes writer. Brain warrior. Namaste.

Dec 5, 2015

15 QUICK Tips to make the holidays happier!

Anyone already stressed about holiday stress? It always seems like the last few weeks of the year fly by and the image I have in my mind of the perfect “snow globe” scene is not exactly what the reality is. I am a procrastinator and for years this time of year I turned into the whirling dervish of Christmas spirit.

A few years ago I pretty much called a halt to all of that. My mental health depended on it. And in doing so I found freedom and rediscovered the true meaning of the holiday; family, friends and connection.

Buy less. Overspending is the biggest stressor of the season.
Slow down. I am conscious of taking time to enjoy THIS moment. Set a timer several times a day as reminder.
Tone down your expectation of a Miracle on 34th Street Christmas. Family dynamics have a way of magnifying this time of year. Plan for it.
Call ONE person every morning and share something you appreciate about them. That one act will start each day off in the happy zone. Give someone the gift of YOUR love and it comes back multiplied.
Gratitude. WRITE down 3–5 things you are grateful for at the start of your day. Scientists have proven that this one thing can make you a happier person.
Connect with friends. I love to get together with just a few people at a time rather than casts of thousands. The time is much more meaningful and fulfilling, less cocktail party chatter.
Give everyone around you a break. If there was ever a time of year to toss a little grace on others, this is it. Everyone else is stressed too.
Think of people that you know who may not have local family and include them in your festivities.
Be aware of your thoughts. This is a great time of year to STOP complaining. It is a habit. One whole year I wore a bracelet from A Complaint Free World and switched it from wrist to wrist every time I caught myself complaining. It takes 21 days of consistency to change a habit. Try it.
Turn off the news. I got rid of my TV a few years ago and it is freeing. I am rid of the mind suck of constant negative news.
Write a vision statement for yourself. This is a great time of year to get ready for a new year. If you have never written a vision statement Corbett Barr wrote a great article on it. Do it! We all need a crystal clear vision of where we are going.
Break the gossip habit. Finding fault in others is an insidious and addictive form of negative thinking and only makes you look bad.
Drink water. Lots of it. If you are at a party, alternate water or sparkling water with every glass of wine or drink. Trust me on this one, you will be happier in the morning. And chances are your date, friends and even your boss will be happier with you as well.
Simplify. Cut down on your decorations. Taste everything, but don’t eat everything. More greens and less flash. Maybe it’s just me, but a ZEN Christmas makes my heart sing.
Just say NO. It is so easy to feel obligated to say yes to everything and everyone. This is the time of year to practice saying no. If it is not something that excites you, don’t do it.

Betsy Smith has her own business in anti-aging and brain health….learn how you can increase your memory, focus and energy.