Our lives are just far too busy at times. We exert so much energy and time trying to please, impress, or keep up with the Jones' that it can get downright crazy at times. Even having someone over for dinner can become a major production. Whatever happened to ?just come over and we will grill some hotdogs??
Okay, time to SIMPLIFY!!! God really does want you to enjoy your life! So why not start today? Ask yourself,"What is the one thing I could let go of today that would make my life a little easier?" Remember life is short so keep it simple!
2. Lighten up!
Not only are we stressed out but we are ridden with anxiety and concern. Just get on a highway and you can tell from the aggressive drivers that people are in a hurry to go - where? Are you a person that is uptight and easily agitated? Maybe it's time to lighten up!
How long has it been since you really had fun? Fun doesn't always have to be expensive or elaborate. Time for the kid in you come out! Go ahead and be silly. It's okay. Rediscover some fun in your life. Sometimes we are just way too serious for our own good. Learn to laugh, even at your mistakes, and not take yourself so seriously. It is true that a merry heart acts like medicine. It is good for the soul. So lighten up!
3. Live in the moment!
If we are not anxious to get to the next place or phase in our life,we are too often bogged down with our past and regrets. It's a new day, a new moment that you will never live again so why not enjoy? Whatever happened to "THIS IS THE DAY that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it"?
Your past is history and your future isn't guaranteed. Why not squeeze the most out of today? Try something new. Go to a different store. Eat at a different restaurant. Speak to a stranger. Pick some flowers! Get creative and enjoy the moment while you can. Don't live your life with regrets. Enjoy today!
4. Let go and Let God!
Jesus said ?My peace I give to you." What a promise! God not only wants us to have joy in this life but peace. The antithesis of stress is peace. What would your life be like if it was peaceful? We are too often carrying things we were never meant to carry. Give over your worries, your anxiety and fear to God. Let go and let God. It's time for peace!
So what are you waiting for? I believe stress free living can become a way of life as we learn to simplify our lives, lighten up, live more in the moment, give our problems and concerns over to a gracious and loving God.
First of all, I want to address the cause of stress which is negative, fear-based thinking. It is often destructive to our health and relationships. Stress can also prevent us from enjoying the festivities and the spirit of Christmas.
For example, we feel stressed when we worry about giving the perfect gift, or if we have enough money and/or time to purchase presents and/or prepare the holiday meals. Stress occurs when we believe that we should do something or we are not okay. We are also likely to feel guilty about the situation. For example, we may think that if we do not purchase an expensive gift, we are a bad person.
Just avoiding the words I should, and switching to the positive, love-based words such as I prefer, I want to, I wish to, and I will, can bring you great relief from stress. The truth is that whatever you do or don't do you are okay and a good person.
You may be thinking, what about other people's reactions? They will feel angry, hurt, rejected, or neglected. It is my belief that if you share your truth in a loving way, people will feel fine. For example, "I wanted to give you a gift (or visit you) but my funds are low. Thank you for understanding."
The following are different ways and examples that can help you enjoy a stress free holiday.
A) Give low-cost or no-cost gifts by:
1) Sending a free internet e-card.
2) Mailing a card with a loving message.
3) Giving gifts you make. Examples include: a cake, pie, jewelry, painting, potholders, or candles.
4) Agreeing with family and/or friends that everyone purchase and gift wrap one present with a specific cost limit. It can be as low as $5 to $10.Then place them all in the middle of the room and each guest picks a number written on a folded piece of paper. People then choose a present in the order of their numbers. They open and display their present to everyone. After all the guests have their turn, they can choose to trade their gifts.
5) Doing the same as above except instead of purchasing a gift, everyone is asked to bring something they have in their home (commonly called a white elephant) to offer as a present.
6) Offering a personal service. This is only limited by your imagination. Examples include: a massage, a pedicure, cook a meal, clean the garage or cabinets, help them organize their closets or office, paint a room, wash their car, watch their children, or walk their dog.
B) Have inexpensive Christmas Dinners by:
1) Inviting everyone to bring a dish and/or drink to share (a potluck).
2) Asking people to donate money for the food and share in the cooking and cleaning-up.
C) Enjoy time with your family by:
1) Letting go of all expectations of anyone being different.
2) Realizing that what people do or say is about them and not you.
3) Knowing that you are okay no matter what anyone says or does.
4) Taking care of your own needs and wants.
5) Accepting people the way they are.
D) Plan ahead by:
1) Purchasing gifts on sale all year long.
2) Starting to make your lists early in November.
3) Finishing your shopping early in December.
Finally, we can avoid stress or let it go when we remember the true essence of Christmas. It is about expressing our caring and love. The Christmas Season reminds us what is important to do all year long. It is always a gift to others and ourselves when we express consideration, appreciation, and gratitude. A smile, a random act of kindness, acknowledgement, and being present are wonderful gifts to give and receive. Christmas is about feeling peaceful and loving, and that is also our major contribution to world peace.
Both Janet Daughtry & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Janet Daughtry has sinced written about articles on various topics from Web Development, How To Grow Wealth and Family Travel. Janet Daughtry, CBC, MDIV, is a certified Christian life coach serving women. Her website is located at .. Janet Daughtry's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
has sinced written about articles on various topics from . . 's top article . to your Favourites.