La época de las festividades (Inglés)

THE HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS EXCITEMENT AND JOY. It also brings challenges and demands. In this article we'll look at tools and tips to help gain perspective, maintain our quality of life, and enjoy the spirit of the season.

During the holidays, the DEMANDS IN ALL OF OUR ROLE AREAS seem to all at once become accentuated, active, and intense, whether self imposed or in response to others. We want to acknowledge our staff and volunteers, party with our colleagues, buy presents for our children and friends, visit with our parents and extended family, and send cards to those we have been meaning to for the last 8 years. There is a propensity to want to show appreciation for, and to strengthen connections with, innumerable people.

Our SOCIETY EXPECTS MUCH of this, egged on by the great Jamaican consumerism. So we cram lots of activities in at once, feeling as ambivalent and worn out by them as we do the joy and pleasure that was intended. Our environments are more crowded, and rushed, people may be more aggressive, irritable, and impatient.

WE FEEL STRESSED, ANXIOUS AND SOMETIMES LONELY AND DEPRESSED as the frenzy of activity goes on around us and within us. Instead of going home after work, we party or shop, often leaving us tired and unable to demonstrate the appreciation and the heartfelt connection that we thought our holiday efforts were all about.

Do you see some of your self in this scenario? Do you intend it to be different this time around? If so, read on….

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN LIFE BALANCE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON:

REFLECT ON WHAT YOU VALUE. What is it that is truly important to you? What are you trying to create through your actions and perhaps busyness? An example might be that you value connecting with others and letting them know you care about and appreciate them.

FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO HONOR YOUR VALUES in a manner that also honors your intention to maintain your own life balance. Using the above example, how can you be creative in connecting with others and letting them know that you care and appreciate them? Consider for example, spreading your activities out over the holiday season. Begin in November for Thanksgiving, and go through January for New Year's, rather than cramming them into the few weeks of religious holidays in December. Perhaps you'll be doing others a favor too by helping them create balance in their own lives, modeling a way to do it, and spreading the joy and good will over a longer period of time.

IDENTIFY WHAT MAINTAINING BALANCE DURING THE HOLIDAYS WOULD BE LIKE FOR YOU. What would it look like, feel like etc? What would be present and what would be absent? For example, holidays would presence a grateful and heartfelt connection with those I care about. Stress, loneliness, chaos, and last minute frantic shopping would be absent.

TAKE REGULAR STEPS TO CREATE what you identified in the section above. Don't strive for perfection, just return to your intended path. For example, during each interaction with those I care about, I bring heartfelt care and gratitude for their contribution to my personal or professional life.

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF REGULARLY. In my experience as a coach, regardless of whether people come to me for assistance with career, relationships, or business issues, I have noticed a common thread. Most people feel their situation would be greatly improved if they took time for themselves. Self-care is essential, and it enables us to share much more of our true and best selves with others! You might choose exercise, spiritual practice, meditation, reading, a hot bath, a massage, or what ever is nourishing and rejuvenating for you.

JOIN WITH OTHERS who support your intentions and desires. This may be an informal group of friends or colleagues, a formal organized group, or a trusted professional who will partner with you to achieve your personal goals.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, tune in to what's meaningful to you, and create life balance during the holiday season in your own unique way. If it works for you, then for you, it is the right way!