5 Ways to Navigate 'Ish Hitting the Fan this Holiday Season
I believe it was the late, great, Notorious BIG who said, “More money, more problems.” And this holiday season there’s no doubt you’ll be busy and your income will show for it, but there will inevitably be hiccups.
Of course it’s not a matter of if things will go south, it’s just a matter of when. Our guess is that you won’t really have time to have a full-on fit, so here’s five ways to reset, relax and move forward in a flash!
1. Breathing Exercises
Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold the breath for seven seconds and breathe out of your mouth for eight seconds. Repeat up to four times. For added effect say to yourself, “In with the butterflies,” when you breathe in, and, “Out with the bees,” when you breathe out.
2. Keep Happy Handy
Sometimes when I need a mood refresh, I go to one of my sister-in-laws’ Facebook pages, go to videos and watch my nieces and nephews silly moments and baby giggles. That 30 seconds of distraction gives me the reset I need to focus. Find something that sparks joy and have it handy on your phone.
3. Serenity Now!
Whether or not prayers are your cup of tea or not, the Serenity prayer gives you the reality check you need when the anxiety sets in. It goes a little something like this: “Grant met the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” After you tell yourself that, you’ll feel empowered to take on any challenge even when things seem overwhelming.
4. Calgon, take me away.
If you were born before 1985 you may not understand the reference, but just stay with me here. The big trend the last few years has been essential oils that come in many different forms. Consider your favorite calming scent (lavender, eucalyptus, rose, etc.) in a rollerball or sachet of sorts ready to breath in and instantly calm your mood. And if you’re not into huffing oils, maybe try a cup of calming tea in chamomile or peppermint.
Note to Self: Find a better word than “huffing” to describe smelling calming scents.
5. Beam me up, Scotty!
While transporting to another universe or time is not a reality yet, closing your eyes and going to your happy place is. Go to the break room or rest room, close your eyes for 30-60 seconds and think about your happy place. Maybe it’s the beach, a hike or even just on your cozy couch with a pet.
At the end of the day, worrying is like a rocking chair — it gets you nowhere (literally). We’re all doing the best we can and when we’re prepared for inevitable chaos, it’ll make it that much easier to move forward. If all else fails, there’s always chocolate, wine and swearing…but lets try these calmer approaches first.
About the Author
Shannon Wojtkowski began her salon career over 20 years ago by sweeping hair at 14 years old. She worked her way up the salon ladder by working the front desk, assisting and eventually behind her own chair.
Shannon spent many years living a double life, attending cosmetology school while also working at a salon nights and weekends and maintaining a full-time career in project management in the marketing and technology field. She’s the trifecta of awesome, combining her knowledge of salon life, marketing and technology.