Who in their right mind schedules a redo of their entire house right before Christmas? Well, I guess I can raise my hand to that one. Isn’t there enough stress during the holidays? Whenever you do anything ask yourself “Is this enriching my experience of being a human or is it too painful to add to my already busy life?

Here are the first five out of twenty ways we can survive this season.

1. Stay Strong – Keep going to the gym so your body can keep up with the energetic strain in the air we all feel and give out.
2. Stretch for Flexibility – maybe five minutes in the morning and the evening if you are short on time and who isn’t? Practice yoga even for a few minutes.
3. Walk in Nature – It boosts endorphins and gives you a fresh perspective.
4. Meditate – Just sit, close your eyes and take three to ten conscious deep breaths. Use one word like Peace or Love as a mantra, or chant a mantra in Sanskrit or recite the Our Father or a meaningful affirmation or visualize your happy place like the beach, mountains or a field of flowers and go there. Stare into a flame with your eyes open and try not to blink which is called tratik.
5. Get at least one massage or DIY your neck, shoulders and feet with pain relieveing cream.

Getting up really early, mañana en la mañana, finishing the packing, walking Cindi and then taking off for Berkeley before traffic gets crazy in LA. I don’t want to forget : Snacks for the road, water, my last minute imaginings I need and to get some gas. Being laid back lately has made me a little not so ready for stuff like travel the way I used to be. In the past, I would have had the car packed. Things just got in the way all week and especially today. Things that had to be attended to, right now. 

Amidst the chaos, I took care of myself and cleared my day except for a professional, new hairstyle and coloring. I am so glad I did. J, my trainer gave me this referral. It is unusual for me to be so happy with a stylist and that is why I never go. I am glad I kept this appointment.

Do something special for yourself today, whenever you read this. Delete something and add whatever will perk you up whether it be an activity or relaxation. It is a gift to self and others.