Decorations, presents, countless social activities: The lead-up to the holidays is often a whirlwind of shopping and frenzied preparations. What if this year you took the time to live in the moment?<\/p>\n
Here are a few tips for slowing down and reducing the stress of the holiday season!<\/p>\n
1. Reduce your consumption<\/strong> By encouraging local merchants and production, you\u2019re helping the local economy, while limiting the environmental footprint associated with transportation and polluting energy sources. Remember: In the medium or long term, a durable item is a better buy than a lower-quality item, purchased several times.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s for you, your children, your friends or your parents,\u00a0buying a used item<\/strong>\u00a0is a great way to recycle and reduce production, and to find objects that often have a story to tell at bargain prices.<\/p>\n 2. Keep socializing to a minimum<\/strong> By rotating your yearly visits with people, you may be able to stay longer in one place and truly enjoy meaningful moments with friends and family.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re on your own or with your partner, friends or family, remember that\u00a0quality time is probably the most precious gift<\/strong>\u00a0you can give yourself and your loved ones.<\/p>\n 3. Look for free activities<\/strong> Explore a new library, write for fun, prepare and share a holiday music playlist, read a book, play board games or put together a jigsaw puzzle\u2014it\u2019s finally time to take the time!<\/strong><\/p>\n 4. Nourish your body and mind<\/strong> A memorable experience doesn\u2019t always mean a big party and karaoke. Whether on your own or with people, a breakfast, brunch or lunch, especially in the wintertime, is ideal for enjoying the daylight and immersing yourself in a more intimate and relaxing environment.<\/p>\n Are you hosting a dinner?\u00a0Keep it simple and plan ahead<\/strong>: Your guests will prefer you spend time with them rather than in the kitchen.<\/p>\n 5. Give yourself the gift of time! Try making and writing your cards in advance, while listening to soothing music. Lacking inspiration? Simply write a few words about a memorable moment with the person or congratulate them for something they did. Take the opportunity to\u00a0turn off your phone and disconnect from social media<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 6. Focus on the essentials<\/strong> Explore what really matters<\/strong>\u00a0to you. In other words,\u00a0connecting with your true self<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Focusing on what matters most also means taking care of yourself. Enjoy slowing things down!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Decorations, presents, countless social activities: The lead-up to the holidays is often a whirlwind of shopping and frenzied preparations. What if this year you took the time to live in the present?<\/p>\n Here are a few tips for slowing down and reducing the stress of the holiday season!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8846","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-your-peace-of-mind"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nIf ordering in just a few clicks seems easy, taking the time to properly select an item\u00a0by going to a local store<\/strong>\u00a0will be more gratifying.<\/p>\n
\nDo you love parties and visits with loved ones during the holidays? If they wear you out physically and mentally, it may be time to strike a balance.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s almost magical how free outdoor activities encourage you to slow down. Walking or sledding in the park, skating, running errands or simply enjoying a stroll through your neighbourhood are great ways to unburden your mind and lighten your heart.<\/p>\n
\nFood is also at the heart of holiday festivities. At the table,\u00a0take the time to savour and appreciate the dishes<\/strong>\u00a0prepared by your hosts.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Turn gift-wrapping into a Sunday fine motor skills activity rather than a last-minute stress.<\/p>\n
\nThis might be the perfect, stress-free time to think about your priorities and what you really want to achieve.<\/p>\n