Hurry Up and… Relax!

With Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror, and the past five days now sporting monikers that encourage shopping, running errands, and over-planning, we are just days away from the “countdown” to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, even the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, not to mention New Year’s Eve. So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, you are not alone.

Why do we do this to ourselves? We just seem to get so swept up in the frenzy of festivities, that we forget to enjoy the season!

But enjoyment doesn’t have to come with the biggest tree, the flashiest gift, the most elaborate feast. Instead, we should take a lesson from the Grinch, and learn that it can “come without ribbons, come without tags, come without packages, boxes, or bags” (adapted from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss).

Experts recommend taking time to recharge, even (especially) during this hectic holiday season, with these tips:

• Create a peaceful space to rejuvenate. Listen to music, read a book, do yoga or meditation, take a walk. Whatever helps you feel peaceful, do that.
• Practice the art of “no.” Just because there’s another gathering, doesn’t mean you have to be there. Offer your regrets (no excuses necessary) and enjoy some time to de-stress, decompress, and rejuvenate.
• Plan your calendar. A handful of get-togethers, shopping expeditions, or other activities that are not your normal routine is more than plenty.
• Balance with Healthy Habits. Despite traditional approaches, the holidays are not an excuse to ignore your health. Drink water, limit alcohol and caffeine and sugar, and taste instead of over-indulging in an entire decadent meal.
• And Balance your Budget. Decide ahead of time how much money (or other contributions) you want to provide over the holidays, and stick to it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. That goes for your time, as well. And to truly practice a mindful holiday habit, apply the same guidelines to your gift budget.

So Deck the Halls and Ho-Ho-Ho, but do it responsibly, leaning toward living your best life as you define it, and you will likely find a more positive outlook going into the New Year, as well!

At Windsong, each home and community is designed to maximize opportunities and minimize stress, with a combination of indoor and outdoor living spaces that cater to your desired lifestyle. Live your best life with the right home, the right community, and the right balance to help you relax and enjoy the right lifestyle for you.

Welcome to Windsong – Where Life’s A Breeze!