by Pennie Sempell
The holiday season has its much celebrated aspects – family reunions, great food, gifts and so on. But too often the stressors of the holiday season are swept under the table, so to speak, leaving many children and adults feeling irritable, fatigued and even depressed.
If you find yourself not feeling jolly, I recommend that you stop, take a breath, and follow these tips:
• A few minutes for you: Find a few minutes every day just for yourself. This might mean taking a walk in the neighborhood, enjoying a cup of hot tea, or listen to my guided imagery podcast at www.healthierhappierlife.com/downloads.
• Stay organized: Make a point of keeping your calendar up-to-date, delegating the household chores so it doesn’t pile up too high, and plan ahead.
• Work it out: A brisk walk can do wonders for reducing stress. Even 10-20 minutes of exercise will do a lot towards reducing stress build up.
• Just say “no”: There may be events that you’d really rather no attend. Select those that you truly want to be a part of, and don’t sweat sending your regrets to the others.
• Meet a friend: Social connections help our mood, and elevate happiness. As busy as things seem, picking up the phone and talking with an old friend can relieve stress.
When you are less stressed and have more energy, you will have more to give to your children and spouse. Even more, you will be setting a good example for your children for them to model for a lifetime.
Enjoy your holidays! I’ll see you in the New Year with new programs and free resources for all.
Pennie Sempell is an integrative health therapist and wellness educator who works with children and adults of all ages and needs. Pennie has taught preschool in Washington, D.C. and California, and directed an aquatic fitness program for children. She has earned numerous professional certifications in mediation and peer counseling, research-based mind-body therapies, and traditional healing art therapies.
Visit her new site for FREE resources: www.healthierhappierlife.com
The holiday season has its much celebrated aspects – family reunions, great food, gifts and so on. But too often the stressors of the holiday season are swept under the table, so to speak, leaving many children and adults feeling irritable, fatigued and even depressed.
If you find yourself not feeling jolly, I recommend that you stop, take a breath, and follow these tips:
• A few minutes for you: Find a few minutes every day just for yourself. This might mean taking a walk in the neighborhood, enjoying a cup of hot tea, or listen to my guided imagery podcast at www.healthierhappierlife.com/downloads.
• Stay organized: Make a point of keeping your calendar up-to-date, delegating the household chores so it doesn’t pile up too high, and plan ahead.
• Work it out: A brisk walk can do wonders for reducing stress. Even 10-20 minutes of exercise will do a lot towards reducing stress build up.
• Just say “no”: There may be events that you’d really rather no attend. Select those that you truly want to be a part of, and don’t sweat sending your regrets to the others.
• Meet a friend: Social connections help our mood, and elevate happiness. As busy as things seem, picking up the phone and talking with an old friend can relieve stress.
When you are less stressed and have more energy, you will have more to give to your children and spouse. Even more, you will be setting a good example for your children for them to model for a lifetime.
Enjoy your holidays! I’ll see you in the New Year with new programs and free resources for all.
Pennie Sempell is an integrative health therapist and wellness educator who works with children and adults of all ages and needs. Pennie has taught preschool in Washington, D.C. and California, and directed an aquatic fitness program for children. She has earned numerous professional certifications in mediation and peer counseling, research-based mind-body therapies, and traditional healing art therapies.
Visit her new site for FREE resources: www.healthierhappierlife.com
