Surviving the Holidays

It's the most nerve-racking time of the year! In the course of about one month, there are at least five major holidays--Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's. I don't know about you, but my heart starts to race at the thought of the holiday season and all it entails. And considering that we're well into the second year of the pandemic, we have reason to feel a little anxious.

So, how do we get through yet another set of holidays in difficult times? There are different things we can do to de-stress, but for me, these are the the things that have kept me calm and grounded:

• Meditation--Just the simple act of taking a few minutes, closing my eyes, and focusing on my breathing can do wonders. A few slow, deep breaths activates your parasympathetic system and relaxes you.
• Gratitude--It's so easy to get caught up in negativity that we forget to be thankful for all the good things in our lives. I don't consider myself a morning person, but feeling grateful for having a comfortable bed and warm running water to help me wash and get ready for the day puts me in a better mood.
• Hygge--The Danish concept of coziness was a big thing a few years back, but I still believe in and practice the essence of it. I love having a good cup of tea, cuddling up in a blanket on the sofa, lighting some candles, enjoying some pastry, and wearing fuzzy socks.
• Niksen--I discovered the Dutch concept of doing nothing rather recently, but I'm already loving it. Sometimes "nothing" is the something, and we need to literally do nothing to recharge. Lately, I'm enjoying taking 5-10 minutes in the morning to just sit by my window and gaze outside (oh, and sipping a cup of tea makes it even better).
• Walking--Something simple that many of us do everyday can bring our stress levels down, and it doesn't have to take a lot of time. I try to walk outside for 10-15 minutes about 2-3 times a day. It relaxes me, clears my head, and makes me more productive.
• Reading--Of course I had to include reading! Books take our mind off things and slow us down. I love starting and ending my day with a few minutes of reading (and sometimes another cup of tea). I know as a librarian I'm biased, but books are great for unwinding.

There's no right or wrong way to relax. Different things work for different people. What are some ways that help you keep calm over the holiday season or any other time? Share with us!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season from the perch.