We are only a week away from Christmas!  Expectations abound, from getting the perfect gift for all of those for whom you care, to going to all of the Christmas functions, and feeling like you also need to enjoy every moment, no matter what.

Here are some bites (no calories) to chew on as you prepare for these last remaining days, to reduce your stress, and try to really take in the season:

•  Take 5… no, take 20…a change of perspective and experiencing more calm and relaxation can be achieved in as little as 20 minutes a day.
•  Yes, join Happy Gilmore and find a ‘Happy Place,’ to visualize, and gain some degree of serenity and comfort.  This can, again, be taking a time-out to regroup, and get your view in more balance.
•  Give yourself a present… of being in the precious present moment…breathe deep, and savor.
•  Watch a movie, especially watch, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  We all might not have a bumbling angel like Clarence to “help us out,”  by seeing what the world would be like without us, but, we can take time out to think about, what (positive) impact we have had on others in our life, thus far.
• Take a day, or even part of a day, to do just what I (meaning, ‘you,’) want to do…give yourself permission, whether it is getting your nails done, watching a movie or movies all day, going fishing, taking a nap… the surprising benefits of going opposite the ‘hustle and bustle,’ so often associated with the season.
• Remember what ‘Tis the Season,’ is?  It’s called Christmas for a reason, so keep in mind that it is a time to remember the celebration of the birth of Christ.  It is a great time to visit a church, go to a Christmas drama, do some Christmas caroling, check out a live nativity…
• Listen, actually, to some of the Christmas music, and try to take it in…what is the message?
• As you drive around,  experience all the Christmas lights adorning the houses in the neighborhood…they won’t be there long.
• Make sure that when making the social rounds, that you not only spend the expected time with family, but, friends, as well…it’s a different experience.
• Don’t forget Santa, he brings that childlike feeling into the season.

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Author: David Wiley, MS, LPC for Miller Counseling Services, PC

Mr. David Wiley, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Miller Counseling Services.  He has practiced in a variety of behavioral health settings in the Triangle area of North Carolina since 1981, including innovative approaches to substance abuse and chronic pain management, crisis intervention, as well as working with relationship issues with couples and families. Areas of interest, and expertise include: mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, substance abuse education/screening/outpatient follow-up, ADD/ADHD, relationship/premarital/marital counseling along with co-therapy, stress/pain management including biofeedback modality, life transition issues especially with college students as well as older adults, adolescent counseling.