Clutter Busting Coach

…clearing clutter from your mind, body and space

Stress Management

Holiday Countdown 2020 

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Did I write Holiday Countdown? Yes. I did. And I know that Christmas is over eight weeks away.

That is why I am mentioning it now. Most of us get stressed about the holidays because we start planning after Thanksgiving. This gives us only four or five weeks depending on the year for accomplishing our “perfect” holiday celebration. And even though the 2020 Holidays may end up looking different than past Holidays, a checklist or plan and starting at the beginning of November will really lessen the “normal” stress during this time of year.

As I do every year, and it is worth repeating, take the stress out of the holidays and begin your holiday countdown November 1.

If you would like to obtain a copy of my Eight Week Holiday Survival Checklist, contact me by October 31.

Stress Busting Activities

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When stress makes you feel bad, do something that makes you feel good, even if it is only for 10 or 15 minutes. Here is a list of activities. Find one or two that may work for you:

  • Phone a friend.
  • Meet (virtually) a friend for coffee or a meal.
  • Participate in sports activities like golf, tennis, or basketball.
  • Play with your kids or pets – outside is preferable.
  • Listen to music or watch an inspiring performance.
  • Take a walk in nature.
  • Take a bike ride.
  • Take a relaxing bath.
  • Meditate.
  • Journal.
  • Practice yoga or tai chi.
  • Work in the garden.
  • Do a home improvement project.
  • Make art — draw, color, or paint.
  • Do a hobby and/or craft such as sewing, jewelry making or woodworking.
  • Play a musical instrument.
  • Work on a scrapbook or photo album to focus on good memories.
  • Read a book, short story or magazine.

The key is to find something or several things that work for you and to make them a regular practice. Doing “feel good” activities as part of your routine help prevent stress and disrupt the stress cycle. You can have power over stress by being proactive and incorporating nourishing and enjoyable activities in your life.

 

 

 

 

Stress Stoppers

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Stress stoppers are actions to help you defuse stress in the moment. You may need different stress stoppers for different situations, and sometimes it helps to combine them. Here are some ideas:

  • Count to 10 before you speak or react.
  • Take a few slow, deep breaths.
  • Pause and allow your body un-clench a bit.
  • Go for a walk, even if it is just to the restroom and back.
  • Try a quick prayer.
  • Turn on some relaxing music.
  • Pet the dog or cat.
  • Hug a loved one.
  • Have a cup of coffee or tea.

Managing stress is important for your health and implementing one or two quick actions in the moment as your stress level is escalating can help you neutralize it.

 

Connecting from a Distance

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We are be being directed to social distance to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. I prefer the phrase physical distancing. But that is another topic of discussion.

Social distancing should not equal social isolation. Yet social isolation could result during this challenging time. Let’s acknowledge that social isolation does exist  and is increasing in this challenging time and that is compounded by many social determinants of health and health conditions.

We…you and I… have an opportunity to make a difference and truly connect with others as we stay at home.

For me, being at home…pausing my life outside of work a little bit…has provided the opportunity to intentionally connect more with friends and family. So, for that I am grateful. I have made the choice to purposefully reach out on a regular basis to relatives and friends that I may not have done so with in in my previous everyday life.

This time has helped me realize some of the more important things to me…. personal connections.

Who can you reach out to today and connect with?

If you are feeling isolated, there are resources available to assist. You can also contact me for resources.

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Joy: The Reason for the Season

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What is the reason for your season?

As I was reflecting on my year of focusing on the word purpose, I had a light bulb moment. The things that I accomplished this year may not have always aligned with my purpose. And to be honest, I can’t say that I am still clear on my one true purpose for my life. Yet, if I approached each task or situation with a purpose or goal in mind, I accomplished more and so can you.

So, as we move full swing into this holiday season 2019, I ask you to stop and think about the purpose of this season and how you would like to honor that. Then plan to focus or refocus some of your holiday to dos and/or activities to honor that purpose.

Wishing you holiday happiness!