Today is day one of our 12 day giveaway and what better way to get the ball rolling than with a way to destress after all the running around. This is a guest post from Michelle Smith of www.AntiStressAndPain.com. So, let's bounce back with these great tips and a product giveaway
Holiday decorations are all put away and finally there’s some white space in your daily planner. The hustle and bustle of the shopping season has come to a major slow down. You’ve shopped until you almost dropped.
The holiday season is officially OVER. Now what?
The Season Has Run Its Course
2010 was a year like no other and there will never be another like it. From New Year’s to Christmas and every holiday in between, it’s been a busy year. No. It was eventful.
As soon as November arrived, you were inundated by ads for the latest gadgets and most sought after “stuff.”
Credit card companies love this time of year. It’s the time when people everywhere use the “god of plastic” to spend, spend, spend. Who can resist a sale?
Many people shop for their own self gratification and then there’s the exchanging of gifts and attending of event after event. There’s little room for rest. You know the saying, “Eat, drink and be merry.” It’s a wonder the holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year.
Preparing for the Bounce Back
The merry-dom has run its course. It’s time to bounce back from holiday stress and prepare for the new year.
If you’re going to make 2011 better than 2010, you need a refreshing from holiday stress and a new outlook. That’s where “Me Time” comes in.
A Complete Plan for Me Time
It’s not what you think. Me time isn’t just about taking a day to indulge in an expensive body treatment, although it could include that.
Real “Me time” gives attention to all the areas that are the essence of what makes you tick: Body, Mind, Emotions and Finances. Neglecting to address these areas will leave you muddling about in a pool of stress – stress that’s probably the result of overindulging during the holidays.
Developing a plan for your “Me Time” is not only good for you. It’s good to you. Let’s take a look at a complete plan:
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Start with a reality check. If you’ve blown your budget and spent your way into debt, take 30 minutes to create a plan to pay off that debt. It may seem counterintuitive to focus on money, one of the major causes of stress.
Yet, how can you even begin to unwind knowing that you have some underlying financial issues going on? The reason money is a major source of stress for people is because they don’t proactively manage it.
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If you’re not currently doing it, now’s the time to start journaling. As little as 15 minutes a day can help clear your thinking. Dumping negative thoughts and feelings out will refresh your mind and emotions.
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Here’s one you may not have considered: A “Things to Accomplish This Year” book. This is a perfect place to keep track of your goals and dreams. It’s all about you so don’t be afraid to think radically. Doing so helps to refresh your outlook for the future.
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Now it’s time to give your body some much needed attention. You can reduce pinned up stress in a number of ways. Indulging in a day of pampering with a facial, full body massage or other personal care services is just one way to reduce your stress levels.
If your finances are not quite in shape for a day at a spa, there are affordable stress relievers available you can use in your own home. Aromatherapy products and personal massagers are a few to consider.
The holiday season brings a mixture of fun and stress. When the holidays are over, taking time out to bring back balance to your mind, body, emotions and finances will help you bounce back to face the new year.
Incidentally, you’ve got another 12 months before the next major holiday season rolls around. How will you spend it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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About the Author: Mom to a multiply disabled little boy, Michelle Howard Smith provides a ton of information on ways to reduce stress. Grab a free copy of her special report on 10 simple stress reducers to help you take back control of your life. Get it at http://stressreducersguide.com |
Now, the giveaway
Today's giveaway item is Stress Release Me! Herbal Bath Tea. This herbal blend is made using chamomile flowers, lavender buds, and other great herbs that are very helpful for reducing your day-to-day stress.
Today's giveaway question is: What stressed you out the most over the holidays?
To enter, simply do one or more of the following:
- Answer the daily question, at the end of each post, in the comments section below.
- Go to Twitter and tweet the following:
- I just entered to win Stress Release Me! Herbal Bath Tea from @simplyclesha. You can too @ http://blog.simplyclesha.com/?p=967
- Come back and leave a comment letting me know.
- “Like” Simply Clesha on Facebook. (The Facebook heart can be found in the right sidebar).
- Come back and leave a separate comment letting me know.
- Sign up for my email subscription. The sign-up can be found in the right sidebar.
- Come back and leave a separate comment letting me know.
- Sign up for email subscription on my new site In Your Secret Place, where I explore the sacred side of aromatherapy and I show you how to create sacred time and space in the midst of chaos. You can sign up here: http://inyoursecretplace.com/. The sign-up box can be found in the right sidebar.
- Come back and leave a separate comment letting me know
Good luck!
