Breathe

     We do it unconsciously, everyday, all day and night, even when we are sleeping. . . breathing.  Lately I have felt a little stressed and when that happens I need to breathe deep.  Really focus on that in and out that I do quite naturally.  It's an instant relaxant for me. When I feel stressed at work, I get up and go outside and breathe deep for a minute or two.  That chilly NW air is just the ticket. Instant calm.   Everyone has something that helps soothe them when they are feeling stressed.  My other "deep breath," if you will, is our hot tub.  I haven't been up there lately, only because I feel like I don't have time.  I'm thinking maybe I should take the time.  

    As the holidays are fast approaching we all need to find our "deep breath," that which soothes us and lets the stress fall away.  I think we all know too well what happens when the holidays start to get wound up.  I love Thanksgiving so that's not my stressful holiday.  Mine is Christmas.  I rush around, here and there, in and out, up and down.  By the time Christmas Eve arrives I'm done, period.  Last year I was finished with the majority of my shopping by Thanksgiving, mostly because I did the majority of my shopping on line.  I'm trying really hard to do be mostly done this year too.   This year I have a plan.  In addition to deep breathing and the hot tub, I'm going to run and work out at the gym.  Last year I couldn't because I was still healing from my accident.   One thing that I have started doing lately is making sure that I carve out at least 30 minutes just before bed for just me.  I curl up in bed and read.  I have three books going right now and I rotate between them depending on how tired I am at the end of the day.  I'm hoping that this relieves the holiday stress for me.

     I encourage you to find your "deep breath" before the holidays even get started.  Have a plan for soothing your self during this very busy time of year.  Get some books from the library that you've been meaning to read, or some movies to watch.  Carve out time for yourself at the end of the day.  Time where you can just sit and breathe.  Cheers!