Simple hacks to enjoy xmas

1) Thoughts are not facts – When you put some space between you & your reaction it can change your relationship to your thoughts. if you’re stuck on a negative thought you can ask yourself:
* Is it true?
* Is it absolutely true?

* How does this thought make me feel?
* What would things be like if I didn’t hold this belief?

 

2) Try not to take yourself, or life too seriously!

 

3) Breathe – you could set an alarm or download a mindfulness bell app to help you remember.  Taking your attention to your breath may help to bring a little ‘calm through the storm’.

 

4) THINK

T          is it thoughtful

H         is it helpful
I           is it inspiring

N         is it necessary

K          is it kind

5) 6 + 3 = 9 but so does 4 + 5.
Respect other people’s way of thinking.  You don’t have to agree with someone to like or respect them.

 

6) Be grateful.  This can be challenging, so it may be helpful to write a short list either in the morning or last thing at night of things we can be grateful for that day.

 

7) Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling.  It’s ok to feel whatever it is you feel, yet try not to get sucked into a ‘story’.  Allow whatever it is to be there & notice or be aware that there may also be pleasant emotions or sensations too.  There are often many different chapters to a story, explore!

 

8) Remember the impermanence of life, & see if you can use this to your advantage.

 

9) Make time for nature!  Stretching our legs, making room for the Xmas pud, getting some fresh air & taking in nature (a garden or the sky can be enough!), can have a positive & beneficial effect on one’s mood.
Take some time out for YOU.

 

10) Above all be KIND TO YOURSELF.  You are human.  Imperfectly perfect.  Enough.