Have A Wonderful Holiday Season
The Holidays!
A wonderful time to use
self soothing with the 5 senses to manage stress
Many "coping skills" to tolerate stress involve self soothing strategies. What more stressful time of year is there than the Holiday season: coping with bad weather, relatives, having company, financial woes, traveling, crowds, etc.. you get the picture. While winter can be stressful for many, some of the best self soothing strategies are available to us during this time of year. The Holidays are a vertible feast for the senses. The more your senses are activated by pleasurable stimuli, the more relaxed you can become. Of course, When engaging in this strategy of self soothing with the 5 senses, make sure to focus completely on the task at hand. That is, be mindful of your senses and what you are experiencing, and anytime you are distracted, simply bring your attention back to what you are doing. Here are some different examples of indulging your senses to activate the relaxation response and decrease stress:
1. Sense of Sight
Treat your eyes to the beautiful site of a lovely decorated home. Turn off all the lights and just enjoy the beauty of your Christmas tree. I love to go walking to look at the Christmas lights around our neighborhood. A friend of mine said that she enjoys decorating her porch and garden space with candles, and strings of little white lights. I love the Christmas Luminaries, they are charming, traditional, and beautiful. Candlelight seems to evoke a sense of the sacred and it fulfills our need for beauty and meaning.
2. Sense of Taste. How about making a big pot of warm hearty soup, or stew? A cup of hot tea or hot chocolate can also be very soothing and satisfying. There are plenty of opportunities to try different hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and party food. Enjoy and savor your food. Eat slowly and mindfully so you can really appreciate the experience of activating your taste buds, nourishing and nurturing yourself.
3. Sense of Smell. Examples of some of the wonderful smells of the season are: pine trees, cinnamon, cloves, and of course... the smell of Christmas cookies. If you are not a baker, there are tons of scented candles, and room fresheners today that smell like apple pie, vanilla, gingerbread, etc.. Some people enjoy burning incense, and one of the most popular types, especially this time of year is frankincense. Frankincense essential oil has been used in spiritual practices. The aroma is said to have a positive effect on the nervous system, reducing tension, and it has long been regarded as an antidepressant. I read that Frankincense oil contains sesquiterpenes, and they stimulate the limbic system, hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands.
4. Sense of Hearing. There are plenty of holiday CD's out this time of year. Let the sounds of the season play throughout your home, or in your car if you prefer. A lot of great music is released around Christmas time. So go to your local music shop (buy locally!) pick up a new (or used!) cd and Rock Around Your Christmas Tree! What is some of your favorite Christmas music? Handel's, The Messiah, always comes to mind, stirring countless audiences to their feet, during this season.
5. Sense of Touch. Oooh. What can be better than snuggling around a crackling fire, with a comfortable warm blanket, plush pillows, and your favorite someone? Awesome! This time of year, your local day spa is offering specials for services like massages, facials, pedicures, etc.. Gift certificates for spa services are always welcome presents for friends, co-workers, family, etc.
Create Your Health by taking the time to enjoy the sensory delights of the season.
Many "coping skills" to tolerate stress involve self soothing strategies. What more stressful time of year is there than the Holiday season: coping with bad weather, relatives, having company, financial woes, traveling, crowds, etc.. you get the picture. While winter can be stressful for many, some of the best self soothing strategies are available to us during this time of year. The Holidays are a vertible feast for the senses. The more your senses are activated by pleasurable stimuli, the more relaxed you can become. Of course, When engaging in this strategy of self soothing with the 5 senses, make sure to focus completely on the task at hand. That is, be mindful of your senses and what you are experiencing, and anytime you are distracted, simply bring your attention back to what you are doing. Here are some different examples of indulging your senses to activate the relaxation response and decrease stress:
1. Sense of Sight
Treat your eyes to the beautiful site of a lovely decorated home. Turn off all the lights and just enjoy the beauty of your Christmas tree. I love to go walking to look at the Christmas lights around our neighborhood. A friend of mine said that she enjoys decorating her porch and garden space with candles, and strings of little white lights. I love the Christmas Luminaries, they are charming, traditional, and beautiful. Candlelight seems to evoke a sense of the sacred and it fulfills our need for beauty and meaning.
2. Sense of Taste. How about making a big pot of warm hearty soup, or stew? A cup of hot tea or hot chocolate can also be very soothing and satisfying. There are plenty of opportunities to try different hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and party food. Enjoy and savor your food. Eat slowly and mindfully so you can really appreciate the experience of activating your taste buds, nourishing and nurturing yourself.
3. Sense of Smell. Examples of some of the wonderful smells of the season are: pine trees, cinnamon, cloves, and of course... the smell of Christmas cookies. If you are not a baker, there are tons of scented candles, and room fresheners today that smell like apple pie, vanilla, gingerbread, etc.. Some people enjoy burning incense, and one of the most popular types, especially this time of year is frankincense. Frankincense essential oil has been used in spiritual practices. The aroma is said to have a positive effect on the nervous system, reducing tension, and it has long been regarded as an antidepressant. I read that Frankincense oil contains sesquiterpenes, and they stimulate the limbic system, hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands.
4. Sense of Hearing. There are plenty of holiday CD's out this time of year. Let the sounds of the season play throughout your home, or in your car if you prefer. A lot of great music is released around Christmas time. So go to your local music shop (buy locally!) pick up a new (or used!) cd and Rock Around Your Christmas Tree! What is some of your favorite Christmas music? Handel's, The Messiah, always comes to mind, stirring countless audiences to their feet, during this season.
5. Sense of Touch. Oooh. What can be better than snuggling around a crackling fire, with a comfortable warm blanket, plush pillows, and your favorite someone? Awesome! This time of year, your local day spa is offering specials for services like massages, facials, pedicures, etc.. Gift certificates for spa services are always welcome presents for friends, co-workers, family, etc.
Create Your Health by taking the time to enjoy the sensory delights of the season.
Peace,
Chris
© 2008 Creative Arts Counseling and Consulting
© 2008 Creative Arts Counseling and Consulting
