Happy Holidays, or Not?

UMM hopes the holiday season brings you joy.  However for some, the holiday season creates stress, sadness, and anxiety.  It’s three days before Christmas and people are going crazy at the stores and shopping malls.  The holidays can create unnecessary stress when shopping for gifts and trekking to the grocery store to stock up on festive treats.  Being away from friends and loved ones can create sadness.

UMM hopes that this holiday season, you can live in the present moment, reach out to those who need support and holiday cheer, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.  This can include hanging out with friends and loved ones, making gifts, volunteering, taking time to reflect on life, and sharing your hopes and miseries with others.  

UMM’s holiday message is simple “take control of your holidays” and enjoy yourself.

Here are some tips on ways to take control of your holidays:

• If you want to be alone, do not let others change your plans but take control of what you want to do during the holidays. 

• Tired of pushing past the crowds at the shopping mall?  Try shopping online, or better still make gifts for people like knitting a scarf or home baked cookies.

• Will you be alone this Christmas?  If you want to be with others, call people to see if they are around, or this might be the perfect time to take a mini vacation.  If you want to be alone, indulge in your favorite meal, book or movie.

• Are you feeling guilty about indulging on chocolate treats or mince pies?  Try not to guilt yourself into feeling awful but enjoy the guilty pleasure and promise yourself that you will take a brisk walk or exercise later in the week.

And remember to breathe!  The holiday season can be overwhelming with parties, family events and irate shoppers.  Take a moment to breathe, this will help to slow down the body and mind and reduce any stress.  Listen to UMM Podcast “Breathe! Giving Yourself Permission to Slow Down”

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful Holiday Season!

Chandler, Lisa and Ulash.  Things that make you go UMM!