Cabin fever? A walk isn’t the only way to keep your feet on the ground this season
Pause every now and then and notice the sounds and smells of the season. If you’re cooking, note the flavours and smells of the food. If you're lighting a fire, listen to the crackle of the logs. The essential jobs will feel less like chores if you’re engaged with what you’re doing.
Breathe before you speak. If you feel an argument brewing, inhale to the count of seven and exhale to the count of 11. This powerful pause gives you chance to realise that you have more than one choice or reaction and enough time to think, ‘I’d better not say that.’
Remember there’s not much you can do to change how others act or react but you can change your own responses. Pay attention to your triggers. The more conscious you are of these and of your feelings, the more emotionally intelligent you are and the better you’ll behave.
Take five minutes to express gratitude. It’s a way of reminding yourself that every day you experience little blessings and it often helps you find solutions and perspective if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Writing it down can help.
If you didn't have time for presents for everyone, or to see all the people you’d like to, a heartfelt handwritten card will strike a meaningful chord and stop you feeling guilty.
Taken from December's issue of The Simple Things - still available to buy and download. Or subscribe now, and start with the January issue.