December Gifts to YOURSELF - Tips for Week 3: Just Breathe...and SLEEP!
Here we are, in the 3rd week of December and we are in full swing! From holiday partying to prepping for the actual holidays next week, we are simultaneously living our best lives and burning the candle from both ends all day every day. Some of us are LOVING these days while others couldn’t feel more differently, perhaps something along the lines of:
Although we are showing up somewhere, we’re not there in all the ways that count
We’ve completely lost track of the meaning of the holidays
We are disconnected from the MAGIC that only this season brings
We may lose our minds before our holiday actually gets here
True story - I strongly disliked my family yesterday and felt like running away for the day. I was done. With everything. And everyone. I was literally sick and tired and if I wasn’t careful, I’d feel like that for more days to come. I know because it has happened before… Even when it wasn’t holiday season. And not because my husband and boys are awful humans (because they’re not) but sometimes I’m not at my best. Yesterday was one of those days. So how did I deal?
With your self-care tips of the week: Breathe and Sleep.
BREATHE
When we feel like we’re in the pressure cooker, our breath is often affected and we don’t even realize it. Don’t worry - most people aren’t reminding themselves to breathe from moment to moment so we’re rarely in tune with what’s happening when we’re angry or feeling overwhelmed.
The problem though is stress can cause all kinds of issues with breathing.
For instance we:
Hold our breath - further building the feeling of being in pressure cooker
Don’t exhale completely - missing out on releasing toxins/energy we don’t need (chemical and emotional!)
Breathe from our chest - resulting in a shallow breath that isn’t as nutrient-rich as a deeper inhale
Here is my go-to technique for decreasing the intensity of the pressure cooker that you can do ANYWHERE without needing to step away for a time out (unless you want to.. or you determine the safety of others requires you to, heehee).
2. SLEEP
Cue the eye rolls. I haven’t even gotten started with my goodness and you’re opinions, excuses, and valid reasons as to why you cannot sleep as long as you should are already flowing in your brain. I know, I know.
So, instead of reminding you of all the reasons why doctors and researchers say you should sleep for an average of 6-8 hours a night, I’ll remind you of this: There is a reason why you power down your car, computer and your children (besides the fact that YOU need a break, too!).
Most things cannot run 24/7 without resulting in significant wear and tear at a rapid pace. That includes YOU, too!
As much as we hate to admit it, we’re not invincible. Your brain, your heart (the anatomical one AND the emotional one), your mind, and your body ALL need to rest. They need to digest the day, rejuvenate and prepare for the next day’s success. And a stretch of sleep for 6-8 hours a night is a reasonable compromise, especially if you simply cannot build some pauses into your daytime hours, right? This helps to ensure you show up as your best self day after day, no matter what madness is going on.
So, what’s a realistic plan of action? Here are some options. You don’t have to do all. As always, choose what will work for you and start small. But you must do the work and commit - no excuses!
Take a look at your calendar and pencil in your bed time. Depending on your personality, you might need to offer options: an ideal bedtime, the second best, and then the final option. But ensure the final option gives you a solid 6-8 hours of sleep that will leave you enough time for you to complete your morning routine calmly.
Take a step away from your screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Put an end the mindless scrolling through social media and work stuff earlier in the night. The TV can also fall into this category but like I said… baby steps!
Determine a hard stop for your work - not just work work, but house work, family work, prep for tomorrow work, ALL work.
With your newfound time, engage in an activity that is relaxing, joyful, or do nothing at all. Perhaps reengage with your partner (in whatever manner you choose, whether it’s in conversation or something else, wink wink), spend some quiet quality time with your kids/pet, call a loved one/friend, or just do something for yourself to wind down.
Bring yourself back to the current moment when thoughts from the day or worries about tomorrow surface. Focus on your breath and/or remember why you chose what you’re doing with your precious time. Remind yourself of the blessings of right now.
