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Reduce Christmas Stress with Simple Self Care Routines

Reduce Christmas Stress with Simple Self Care Routines

by | Dec 20, 2024 | Christmas, Journey From Anxiety to Peace, Stress

The holiday season is here. We decorate our homes with care, fill our schedules with celebrations, and shop for thoughtful gifts. Everything looks festive, and we can feel the magic of the season all around.

However, it’s also a busy time of year, and for many people around the world, it can be a source of stress. Increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and even illness can overshadow the joy of Christmas. For those who have lost a loved one or are feeling isolated, the holidays can be especially difficult.

As we rush to complete our never-ending to-do lists, the pressure to make the holidays perfect can leave us feeling drained. Often, self-care slips down the list of priorities. But taking care of ourselves is essential, and it’s possible to do so—even during the busiest of seasons.

In this post, I’m sharing self-care ideas that will help you reclaim the holiday spirit and give yourself the gift of peace, joy, and health.

 

Simplify Your Christmas

 

The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is simplicity. We all want to create beautiful memories for our loved ones. We build on stress when we overextend ourselves physically, emotionally, and financially.

By simplifying your holiday plans, you’ll reduce stress and avoid burnout. Prioritize what matters most and make space to enjoy the season with family and friends without the weight of unrealistic expectations.

 

Boost Your Immune System

 

The holiday season can take a toll on our health, but focusing on nourishing your body can help you stay strong and vibrant throughout the festivities. Here are some key self-care habits to support your immune system and overall well-being:

 

  • Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of rest each night. Sleep is essential for maintaining energy and resilience.
  • Healthy Meals: Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your daily meals to nourish your body.
  • Vitamins: Take a daily vitamin supplement to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need for immune support.
  • Prayer and Meditation: Set aside time before bed for prayer or meditation to calm your mind and release any stress.
  • Naps: If possible, take short naps during the day to recharge.

 

By incorporating these habits into your routine, you’ll support both your physical and mental health, setting the stage for a peaceful and joyful holiday season.

 

Moments of Quiet Time

 

Taking time for yourself may feel impossible amidst the holiday rush, but it’s essential for restoring balance and reducing stress. Making space for quiet moments doesn’t require hours—just a few minutes can make a world of difference.

 

  • Find a quiet spot, like your bedroom, where you can pause and breathe deeply.
  • Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on the present moment—leave behind the “to-do” list.
  • Even just 15-30 minutes of solitude can help clear your mind and ease stress.
  • Use this time to journal your thoughts or practice relaxation breathing (belly breathing) to calm your nervous system.

 

These moments of self-care will help you center yourself and regain energy to enjoy the season.

 

Pamper Yourself a Little

 

Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant to be effective. Treating yourself to small moments of pampering can help you unwind and rejuvenate.

  • Take a relaxing bath with soothing scents, light a candle, and enjoy a good book.
  • Visit a spa for a massage or facial if it’s in your budget, or enjoy a DIY at-home treatment.
  • For me, nothing beats curling up with a cup of hot tea and an aromatherapy candle in the evening. Even my dog loves the peaceful atmosphere!

What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself during the holiday season? Share in the comments!

 

Give Yourself the Gift of Self-Care

Christmas is meant to be enjoyed, and self-care is the key to unlocking the joy and peace of the season. When you prioritize your health and well-being, you’ll create a holiday experience that’s filled with love, happiness, and calm.

Make this holiday season one of joy and self-compassion. May it be filled with blessings, health, peace, and, of course, moments of self-care. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and joy!

 

I’d love to hear from you in the comments:

Will you add yourself to your Christmas list this year and check it twice?

How do you reduce stress and stay healthy throughout the holidays?

 

 

9 Simple Things to Do When You’re Getting Anxious

9 Simple Things to Do When You’re Getting Anxious

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Journey From Anxiety to Peace

Guest post by Anne Peterson.  

 

The day starts out fine. Things look okay and then before you know it your heart starts racing. You’re anxious, but don’t know why. You’re pretty sure if you don’t do something, you will work yourself into an even higher state of anxiety.

So what can you do?

Here are 9 simple things to do when you’re getting anxious.

 

1. Take care of your body

 

Sometimes we start feeling anxious when we need rest. If possible, lay down for a few moments. You body might be overtired and when we feel that way, we’re not able to think as clearly.

God himself rested on the seventh day, leaving us an example of how important rest is. And he’s God!

Maybe you need to eat something. Something nutritious. Put something healthy in your body, or have a nice cup of tea. I love Chamomile tea. When the prophet, Elijah was struggling with his emotions he was given something to eat and told to rest. You take care of others, you need to take care of you as well.

 

2. Just breathe

 

I know you’re breathing, but it’s important to for you to take slow, deep breaths. When we’re anxious, we have a tendency to breathe short breaths, which just makes us more anxious. Slow deep breaths can calm us down.

I remember once feeling like my blood pressure was up. I took out my monitor and sure enough it was high. Instead of just taking deep breaths and relaxing, I took it again and again. The more I took it, the more anxious I became and the higher it went. Finally, I called the ER, talked to a nurse and shared my numbers. She suggested I come in. Since then, I have learned I can relax and my blood pressure will lower, or I can get anxious and watch it rise.

 

3. Journal

 

I’ve had counselors tell me writing things out can help when you’re feeling anxious. Affirmations are also a good idea.

Pick a verse you find calming. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Write that verse over and over again. Write it out by hand. You may even feel yourself starting to relax.

Another good verse is Isaiah 26:3: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Staying on God is simply allowing yourself to reflect on him. Staying on God is a wonderful image to hold onto.

 

4. Pray

 

Some people find great comfort in praying. Talking with God. Telling him how you feel as well as what’s troubling you. God tells us in 2 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you.”

When my grandson Charlie lost his little toy car he came and told me.

“Let’s pray, Charlie,” I said.

How excited Charlie was a little while later when his car was found.

He said, “First my car was lost and God ‘founded’ it.” God is concerned about whatever concerns us, even a little boy’s car.

 

5. Sing

 

At my sister’s murder trial, I would be next to testify. The officer brought me to an empty room where I was to wait. First, I quietly prayed, but my prayer turned into me softly singing. Even though physically I was in a courthouse at 26th and California, in Chicago, it felt like I was sitting on my heavenly Father’s lap, singing to him.

When the officer returned to escort me to the courtroom, I was calm and peaceful. If God can calm us down in that kind of anxious moments, he can calm us in anything.

When I’m somewhere I can’t sing aloud, I quietly recite the words to myself. Even that helps me. And as I’m silently singing, I’m sure God is pleased, for I’m focused on him.

 

6. Listen to music

 

Maybe you don’t want to sing, but you like listening to music. Let your favorite music take you to a restful place in your mind. It’s amazing how music can calm us down.

Or maybe you play an instrument and playing music can soothe your mind. I’m sure there will be music in heaven. Music beautiful and sweet.

 

7. Take in nature

 

Sometimes getting back to nature helps when we start getting anxious. Go outside, weather permitting. Look at the birds or even the flowers. Notice the sky and the formation of clouds. If you are near a pond or lake, notice how the ducks seem to glide in the water.

And if it’s raining, watch raindrops chase each other down the window pane. God is a master artist who created everything we see in nature. He gave full attention to every tiny detail.

Slowing down enough to notice God’s handiwork can be relaxing. Look at the stars and reflect on how God hung each one in place, and knows each name. Looking at the sky helps us realize how small we are and how insignificant our worries may be.

But if the worries you have are big ones. Remember this. No matter how big your problems are, our Father is bigger still.

 

8. Step it up

 

Maybe you need more exercise. Instead of a walk, go for a run, or get on a bike. Exercise can change the chemicals in our brain. And when we exercise, we release some of our anxiety.

You may be in a completely different frame of mind after you exercise. And then you’ll be able to look at your situation differently.

 

9. Take a hot shower or bath

 

I love a hot shower when I’m getting anxious. I picture whatever I’m worried about going down the drain with the water. I find the gentle water soothing and comforting. Some people like to soak in a nice hot tub, or a bubble bath. I enjoy nice long showers instead.

Mothers have found when they add lavender to their babies’ baths it calms them down and gets them ready for bed. So if you enjoy baths, you might want to try that. You need to value who you are so you can take good care of yourself.

 

God cares

 

Though God tells us to be anxious for nothing, sometimes our problems loom large in our minds. Maybe we’re tired, or hungry, or we just need to get out of the house. We just need to find whatever works for us.

Whether you sing, listen to music, or go for a walk, remember this. You are not alone. Your heavenly Father knows everything you’re going through and he’s right there with you. And when you don’t feel like he is, that’s where faith comes in. You need to hang onto what’s true, instead of trusting in your feelings which are fickle.

God loves you and he cares. How do I know? He wrote it in his love letter and God never lies.

Dear Lord, I pray for those who are reading this. We know you care about us God, and you care about whatever concerns us. Father, sometimes we worry instead of just trusting that you are in control. Help us to bring our worries to you. Help us to take care of ourselves so that our problems don’t make us anxious. Father, thank you for giving us tools to help when we start to falter. Thank you for your great Love. We pray this in your Son’s precious name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

 

Read more about my He Whispers 3 Vol. Set Here.

 

 

 

 

 

What helps you when you’re feeling anxious?

Let us know in the comments below

 

Anxiety and Worry: Finding Peace in Today’s World

Anxiety and Worry: Finding Peace in Today’s World

by | Aug 8, 2024 | Journey From Anxiety to Peace, Stress

Anxiety crept in during various challenging seasons of my life. The constant worry about what the future might hold weighed heavily on my heart. I would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, my mind racing with endless “what ifs.” It wasn’t until I realized how much worry was fueling my anxiety that I began to seek ways to find peace.

Anxiety can take on many forms and intensities. In our fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become almost synonymous with daily living. Millions of people around the globe struggle with countless burdens and find reasons to worry every day.

We race against the clock, trying to pack so much into our days. In our rush, anxiety and busyness rob us of the joy in the present moment. Life isn’t meant to be a relentless mix of stress, worry, and fear.

We were created for something more—a divine purpose beyond the daily grind. God calls us to cast our cares upon Him, to release our worries about the next second, minute, hour, or years past.

 

The Universal Reality of Anxiety

 

Anxiety is widely considered a universal reality today. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of anxiety across different populations:

Modern Lifestyle Pressures

The fast pace of life, constant digital connections, work demands, financial stress, and social pressures all contribute to higher baseline stress and anxiety.

Global Challenges

Events like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, political instability, and climate change have increased feelings of uncertainty and fear, fueling anxiety on a global scale.

Mental Health Awareness

Increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues have led to more people recognizing and acknowledging their experiences with anxiety, which may have been overlooked or stigmatized in the past.

Widespread Stressors

Factors like health concerns, family responsibilities, caregiving, and societal expectations can lead to anxiety across different age groups, cultures, and backgrounds.

 

While the intensity and manifestation of anxiety may vary from person to person, it is a common experience for many people in today’s world. This doesn’t mean everyone experiences clinical anxiety, but most individuals encounter feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives, whether due to specific stressors or more generalized concerns.

 

How Worry Feeds Anxiety

 

Worry is a subtle yet powerful emotion. It often goes unnoticed until it spirals into full-blown anxiety. It starts as a small concern and nagging thought about what could go wrong. When left unchecked, worry can grow, feeding on our fears and insecurities.

Worry and anxiety are closely linked. Worry acts as the fuel that keeps anxiety burning. When we worry, we dwell on potential negative outcomes. We imagine scenarios that may never happen. This constant mental rehearsal of worst-case scenarios keeps our minds on high alert. This triggers the body’s stress response.

The more we worry, the more anxious we become, and the more anxious we become, the more we worry. Breaking this cycle is essential to managing anxiety effectively. By recognizing when worry starts to take over, we can take steps to interrupt the loop and bring our focus back to the present moment.

 

Letting Go of Control: The Path to True Peace

 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we must carry life’s burdens alone. Society often promotes self-reliance, urging us to handle everything without asking for help. But the truth is, we’re not alone, and we don’t have to face our struggles by ourselves.

In our own strength, life’s burdens can be overwhelming. Anxiety arises when we try to control everything, believing we are solely responsible for making things work. The weight of our concerns, anxieties, and worries is too heavy to bear alone. This is where faith comes in.

Finding peace in an anxious world requires surrendering our lives and days to God. The world offers no true peace, but in Him, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding—sufficient for today and every day.

 

Practical Steps to Finding Peace

 

So, how do we find peace in a world filled with anxiety, stress, and worry? Here are some practical steps that can help:

 Pause and Breathe

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat anxiety is to pause and breathe. When anxiety starts to take hold, it often causes shallow, rapid breathing, which only increases feelings of panic. Taking a moment to breathe deeply and slowly can help calm both the mind and body.

Practice Deep Breathing

Try this simple exercise: Breathe in slowly for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly for a count of four. Repeat this several times until you feel calmer.

 

Re-evaluate Your Priorities

 

In our quest to do it all, we often overcommit ourselves, leading to increased stress and anxiety. It’s important to re-evaluate our priorities.

  • Learn to Say No: It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your values or that add unnecessary stress to your life. Focus on what truly matters to you.
  • Simplify Your Life: Consider ways to simplify your daily routines. This might mean decluttering your home, streamlining your schedule, or reducing screen time. Simplification can reduce the mental load and create more space for peace.

 

Connect with Others

 

Anxiety can be isolating, making it easy to feel like you’re going through your struggles alone. But human connection is essential for mental health. Don’t isolate yourself—reach out to others.

  • Talk about it: Share your struggles with trusted friends or loved ones. Sometimes just talking about what you’re going through can bring relief and perspective.
  • Join a Support Group: Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others dealing with similar challenges. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

 

Practice Gratitude

 

Even on the hardest days, there are things to be thankful for. Cultivating a heart of gratitude can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. Gratitude has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase overall well-being.

  • Keep a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things—sometimes, it’s the small blessings that make the biggest difference.
  • Express Thanks to Others: Take the time to thank the people in your life who support and care for you. Expressing gratitude can deepen your connections and bring more positivity into your life.

 

Take Care of Your Body

 

Our physical health is closely linked to our mental well-being. When we neglect our bodies, we make ourselves more vulnerable to stress and anxiety.

  • Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety.
  • Get Proper Sleep: Lack of sleep can make anxiety worse. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and prepare for rest.
  • Increase Activity: Regular physical activity is a powerful tool against anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Even a daily walk can make a difference.

 

Faith – A Source of Strength and Peace

 

Spending time in prayer, reading scripture, or sitting in God’s presence provides comfort and peace.

  • Daily Devotionals: Set aside time each day for devotionals. Whether it’s reading a passage from the Bible, meditating on a verse, or journaling your thoughts and prayers, this time can help you stay grounded.
  • Cast Your Cares on Him: Remember the invitation in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Surrendering your worries to God can lighten your load and bring a sense of peace.

 

An Invitation to Slow Down

 

When the going gets tough, God invites us to slow down. To take a deep breath. We’re reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 to not lean on our understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.

Life is full of day-to-day hassles, hustle, and hurry. Yet, in the midst of it all, there is peace to be found., you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and find the peace that God promises—a peace that passes all understanding.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts about what helps you stay grounded.

How do you manage to find peace?
How does living in this anxious world affect you?

 

Coping with Anxiety: Changing Your Thoughts and Focus

Coping with Anxiety: Changing Your Thoughts and Focus

by | Jun 12, 2024 | Journey From Anxiety to Peace

We believe the messages we tell ourselves. During a long season of living with anxiety and panic attacks, I wrote constantly. Writing became a therapeutic way of coping. Doing this helped me deal with my thoughts about the fear and anxiety in my life. Below is something I wrote when trying to remind myself that it was just anxiety.

 

It’s Just Anxiety

An all too familiar feeling of paralyzing fear wells up inside.
Except… there is nothing to fear.

A surge of adrenaline rushes all through me in a whoosh!
It is just a false alarm and no reason to run.

I am flooded with a multitude of uncomfortable symptoms.
It’s another panic attack.

There is an overreaction in my mind, causing it to race.
I’m thrust into fight-or-flight mode.

A strong desire enters in to have someone near.
I don’t want to be alone during the panic attack.

I tell myself…
It’s just anxiety, and it can’t hurt me.
Panic and raging fear are not my Goliath.

There’s not much it can do to me anymore.
I have lived with it for so many years.

Every new day is a strange mystery.
I never know when the panic will come.

When it does, my world is shaken.
Fear will rush in.

I will keep reminding myself of what it is.
Anxiety has no power over me.

 

What do you tell yourself about the anxiety in your life?

What we tell ourselves has the power to heal us or break us more. Positive affirmations that help decrease anxiety are an integral part of the healing journey.

 

But what if we shift our focus from anxiety, stress, and worry to more constructive and peaceful thoughts?
Here are a few benefits to consider:

Improved Mental Health: Redirecting your thoughts can reduce the intensity and frequency of anxiety. By focusing on positive outcomes, gratitude, or even small daily achievements, you create a mental buffer against stress.

Physical Health: Anxiety often manifests physically—racing heart, muscle tension, fatigue. By focusing less on stress and more on relaxation techniques, your body can experience reduced symptoms, leading to overall better health.

Emotional Resilience: When you practice shifting your focus away from worry, you build emotional strength. This resilience allows you to handle life’s challenges with a calmer mind and a stronger sense of self.

Productivity and Joy: Worrying can be paralyzing, making it difficult to focus on tasks. By minimizing anxiety, you open the door to increased productivity and a greater sense of accomplishment, which in turn brings more joy into your life.

 

Peace comes when you can accept yourself for who you are. Know you are more than the anxiety that may exist in your life. You can reclaim your peace and live a life with more balance and purpose.

 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6.

 

Write a Letter to Anxiety

Write a Letter to Anxiety

by | Jun 5, 2024 | Journey From Anxiety to Peace

Years ago, I a therapist suggested I write a letter to the anxiety. So I sat down and did just that. Truthfully, at the time doing this felt as crazy as living with anxiety did. To my surprise, it was amazing! It felt really good to talk back to what at the time I viewed as my tormentor. I then started a journal where I would write letters to the anxiety and panic attacks. There I would write many letters to my problem. Telling anxiety just what I thought of it so I could take my life back.
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