Take 5 minutes to breathe
That is all it takes sometimes to break up the frenzy of Sellotape, wrapping paper and sprouts.
The never-ending list of things to do and all the extra activities, concerts, carol services and nipping out to the shop.
Much of this is really fun stuff in isolation, but it can become a blur when we dash and plan and do whilst juggling all the usual stuff too.
All you need to do is pause every now and then.
To gather yourself and take a look around.
It helps you get in touch with whether you are moving in the direction that you want to.
It gives you clarity to enjoy all your efforts and the special moments
that come from the really important reasons that you are running yourself ragged.
Spending time with the people you love.
Catching up and celebrating with good times
enjoying good food and making memories.
Traditional turkey and trimmings – or not……
This year Claire’s children have chosen Sushi and Chinese duck pancakes.
Last year they ate their Christmas Day meal in the sunshine, at a British seaside – Xmas hats and fizz too.
Do things the way you want to.
Pausing long enough to enjoy whatever you have decided to do it is the task today,
simply taking 5 minutes to check-in with yourself.
Below is a very short, very simple Mindfulness walk.
Plug in your headphones and simply walk round the block and listen.
(download it if signal is patchy where you are)
Mindfulness is woven all the way through The Project.
Starting as simply as in the recording below – eventually learning techniques to enable you weave into all aspects of your life.
Mindfulness in it’s basic form means
to focus on the present moment.
But through learned techniques it gives you insight and appreciation.
You develop, over time – wisdom about why you do – what you do.
It helps you get to the bottom of things.
Which is the first real step in changing them.
Sleep, Water, Food, Fresh Air, Fun, Work…
Keeping checked in with yourself regularly means that is becomes easier to notice when you are over indulging, having too much… or not enough of other things you need at Christmas.
.
So much to manage, a Mindful step back means you can rebalance – and feel better.
Breathe and it becomes clearer.
For now – pop your shoes on – and join Claire for a 5 minute walk in the fresh air
(round the block, work car park, end of the road and back, even round the garden)
Have a lovely day
xxxx