Maintain holiday cheer: Techniques for lowering stress and maximizing positivity.

As November unfolds, it marks the beginning of the official holiday season. This month serves as the starting point for the festive rollercoaster that will take us through the end of the year. But, amid all the hustle and bustle, it's essential to keep your spirits high and your energy balanced. To help you make the most of this magical time, here are some tips and techniques to guide you through the holiday season:

Set Your Holiday Intention

Before the holiday whirlwind sweeps you off your feet, take a moment to set an intention for how you want to "be" during this season. It could be "joyful," "mindful," or "appreciative" – the choice is yours. This intention will serve as your guiding star, helping you make decisions and set priorities in alignment with the energy you wish to embody. If you've chosen "joyful," you'll be more inclined to decline activities that might drain your joy, such as overcommitting or engaging in negativity.

Start Your Day with Positive Affirmations

Each morning, instead of rushing into the day's tasks, start with affirmations that set a positive tone. Phrases like "I move through my day with ease" or "I'm grateful for the many blessings in my life" can be your daily mantras. These affirmations help cultivate a positive mindset and will help you approach any challenges with calm and grace.

Free Yourself from the 'Shoulds'

The holiday season can sometimes make you feel as if you have to be a superhero. When the "shoulds" start creeping in, like "I should have a picture-perfect home," "I should prepare an amazing holiday meal," or "I should lose weight before the holidays," it's time to hit the brakes. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that you are already enough, and that you are loved for who you are. Reconnect with your chosen holiday intention and make empowered choices that align with it.

Make Your Well-Being a Priority

Anticipating the holiday season can be overwhelming. Plan in advance by scheduling rest and downtime now through the end of the year (and beyond!) to keep yourself refreshed. Make room in your calendar for daily self-care rituals such as yoga, meditation, or journaling. Listen to your body, and if you're tired, give yourself the rest you need. Don't hesitate to say "no" when needed and give yourself permission for a breather. Fuel your body with nutritious meals, and stay hydrated to keep your physical, mental, and spiritual balance in check.

Journal for Positivity

Before the holiday rush sweeps you away, cultivate a habit of staying positive. A Positivity Journal can be your sanctuary for positive thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Instead of avoiding negativity, learn to find the silver lining or transform negative encounters into sources of empowerment. Physically jotting down your thoughts, rather than typing, deepens your connection with the words you write. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

- List three things you're grateful for this holiday season.

- Identify three concerns about the upcoming holidays and outline actions to address them.

- Describe your perfect holiday season and set concrete steps to bring it to life.

Recharge Your Spirit

Chakras, the body's energy centers, can become blocked or imbalanced, leading to mental and emotional overwhelm. Try this simple chakra-balancing technique to rejuvenate your spirit and maintain a positive outlook:

1. Prepare your space by turning off your phone and playing soothing music.

2. Sit comfortably, whether in a chair or cross-legged on the floor, with your palms facing up on your knees.

3. Take deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth.

4. Recite a mantra for each chakra:

I am powerful and connected to my highest potential.
I am wise and follow my intuition.
I speak my truth at all times.
I love and honor myself.
I am worthy and deserving of the things I desire.
I am creative and abundant.
I am safe, grounded and centered.

Remember to be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time. By incorporating these techniques, you can navigate the holiday season with less stress and maintain a sense of well-being, making the most of the season's joy and magic!

For more ideas and assistance with making yourself a priority, check out my Soul-Powered Self-Care Journal. It's a digital journal, which means you can download it, print it at home and start your self-care journey right away! You can find it here in my Etsy store.

written by Patty Oliver, Energy Healer, Author, Spiritual Advisor

Categories: Balance your chakras, Chakras, Emotional Healing, Emotional Well-being, Energy Healing, Mental Wellbeing, Positive Affirmations, Positivity, Positivity Journal, Self-Care, Vibration, Journaling