December 8, 2008

Manic Mondays NO MORE!!!



Our good friend and gracious contributor Tamera over at Pentads: Simplifying Life & Love has given us some holiday tips.

After the holiday melee we endured in the news last week (imagine having been at Walmart that day) and with many a holiday party to go, I asked author, healer and medical expert, Tamera Daun to share with us a much needed guide. Her advise is sure to keep us healthy and happy this holiday season just by following a few simple steps.

For the past 3 years I have desperately wanted to spend the holidays on a beach somewhere, but family obligations have prevented this dream.

I think I subconsciously needed this list from Tamera more than I considered. Once I read it, I immediately felt a veil lifting, a peace calming came over me, and a strength that gave me permission to have limitations this year. I was able to step back from so many expectations and be realistic with myself and everyone else ~ I hope the same for all of you! Christmas should be about love and grace and friendships and loved ones AND all of you!!

Thanks, Tamera!!!

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We're closing in on Christmas once more, and that means 'busy' for so many. Although it seems as though we are bombarded with 'do this, and don't do that", they are often embedded in negative messages. There are many 'do's' that are positive activities, and not only increase our well-being, but get us through the holiday season.

So, here's a few jolly ideas!

1. Drink plenty of fresh water not only this month, but always ;o)

2. Remember fruit between the Christmas goodies and sweets.

3. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. I know it's easier said than done, but we need more sleep in the winter months.

4. Include as many seasonal foods in your cooking as possible. They tend to be richest in nutrients. Seasonal winter foods are also 'warming'. We are part of nature, and prone to the laws of biology. If we live in tune with it, our bodies tend to feel better.

5. Give hugs each day to spouse/partner and children. Positive physical contact increases well-being, and reduces stress. And, face it. We need those hugs.

6. It's easy to forget exercise this month. We have only so many hours in each day, and they become thinly spread during the holidays. It's important to lower your expectations, and go easy on yourself. It is also true that our bodies are meant to slow down in the winter. Although we don't always recognize this fact, it is true. We need more rest, and exercising as we normally do, which can sometimes increase our vulnerability to colds and the flu. It's that biological clock again! It may be much more beneficial with a few minutes of fresh air each day. Take a leisurely walk, and soak in the sights.

7. Enjoy your senses. Notice the decorations, lights, music and smells everywhere you go. Allow yourself to be delighted by them.

8. Plan a date this month with your partner/spouse. Yes, just the two of you. Have someone babysit, and take in a Christmas concert, a quiet dinner out, a walk in nature. Anything that will fit the family budget. Holidays are also a busy time for 'marital stress', so talk about something other than 'holiday stress' on your outing together. The two of you have to function as a strong and loving couple, or the family as a unit won't function. Play on the same team, and don't let others pull you in different directions. The bottom line is remain emotionally open to each other, and stay connected.

9. Do be selfish, and cut back on the gift-spending. With the economic times we are in, everyone has a good excuse. It is stressful on everyone in the family when we go broke in December, and January bills cause us headaches as a result. It's not worth it.

10. Breathe! That's right. Breathing deeply is essential to well-being, and people sometimes don't realize how important it is. Check how deeply you are huffing and puffing several times a day.

11. Lastly, here is a special wish I have for everyone. Let go of at least one thing this month, and make room for something new that will enhance your closest relationships. No, I don't mean an 'item'. I mean a past emotional hurt, anger, sadness, or grudge you remain chained to. All you have to do is tell yourself that it's time to let go of whatever it is, and everything you need to know and understand about it in order to do so, will become apparent. Although these things often include other people, we do not need their permission to let go of our part of the equation. Again. When we let go of something old, we make room for something new, and suddenly everything looks different.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


~ Tamera


~ AND House would like to proclaim warm wishess for Eid al-Adha (10th Dhu al-hijjah)
December 8 - 11th to all of our friends of the Islamic faith!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Spam left a comment about car insurance ~ no worries, one click and it went away!

Gina said...

I hate spam comments..it seems like so much effort too. But then, I don't really know much about technology so maybe its not, haha.

In response to you post...lucky for me I am a good sleeper and love to exercise, because with my husband overseas this Christmas, I'm missing a lot of the stuff on that list!!

Nice post, I like your blog :)

Unknown said...

Hey Gina,

Thanks for stopping in! Yeh, those spammers...took me a while to realize they werent people...silly me, but sometimes I still reply to them after I delete their links ;0)
Im crazy like that.

Thank you for your sacrifice this holiday. All the best to you and your husband always!

Tamera is REALLY good with keeping us sane, no matter what the season...so follow her advise closely ;0p

intrepidideas said...

Hey there. Spam comments do stink! I followed Tamera over here... Not to Spam you but to read her list. She's a great Blog Buddy. Great ideas on the list. I'll see how many of these I can keep this season!

Unknown said...

Intrepid! I know you!!
Thanks stopping in! I follow Tamera around too ~ which sometimes leads me to you as well!

I LOVE her coattails...hope you have a great time attempting some of these -- even if it is just to take a walk or a deep, deep breath

Midwest Mom said...

I came over from Tamera's blog. My favorites from her list have to be #5 and #9.

We try to start each day with our children by waking up with a cuddle or a tickle. It makes all the difference for them to wake up feeling loved.

And the key to stress-free holidays is *definitely* knowing how much you can or can't spend. There's nothing like spending the twelve days of christmas worrying about the arrival of holiday bills.

I hope you and your readers have a wonderful, peaceful holiday season. Thanks for the great post! (and I'll surely be back!)
-MM

intrepidideas said...

That's the great thing about this business. The wonderful people you meet! (Smile) Keep coming back!