Balance During The Holidays

For those who think finding balance during the holidays is impossible, please read on.

Balance is different for each of us. It could mean having five minutes a day of silence for some or drinking that cup of tea for others or having every item in the house in place for others. Thus, the first action step is to identify who you are as a balanced individual. Envision who the balanced version of yourself is. Do you see a calm, relaxed and happy individual? Do you see a person with more energy and laughter? Once you are able to do that you can begin to identify which actions provide you those results.

For example, if you see yourself laughing, smiling, and filled with energy as a balanced person, then what actions will bring you to that balanced version of yourself? Have you identified that when you eat ice cream you smile? Have you identified that when you play with your children you laugh? Have you found that you have more energy after a run? If so, these actions need to be a part of your daily or at least weekly life. And, for those of you who feel you can’t find time to fit these activities in, then please draw on your great abilities as problem-solvers and know you can find a way.

Once this step is complete, then it is time to be sure you continue these activities during the holidays. Again, I draw on your problem solving abilities to ensure that you can do this. Parents, wives, and mothers are problem solvers all day everyday. Let’s say that you usually go for a run or a walk three days a week throughout the year, and during the holidays you tend to skip that early morning run because you find the need to complete online gift shopping then. If online gift shopping doesn’t lead to the happy, laughing balanced person you become after a morning walk, then simply pick another time of the day to do your online gift shopping. It is truly that simple. Once you find what works to balance you, stick with it, no matter what other tasks are needed during the holiday season. What you will find is that you have little difficulty figuring out how to fit in all of the other holiday tasks if you try to fit them into an already set routine.

It is truly important that you take time to achieve balance because your family and friends will benefit from a balanced you as much as you will. This holiday season the greatest gift you can give to yourself and to your family is a person with present-focus, joy and balance.