As everyone knows the holiday season can be emotionally challenging. In the past, I have addressed holiday issues such as overeating, dysfunctional families and overstimulation insanity. Those are all definite issues for some, and you can read my articles regarding them here.

However, what if our families are far away, and we are carefully avoiding food tables laden with sugared treats and alcohol? We still have hurdles! Polite drivers can be maniacs during this time. Patient people can turn extremely aggressive.  Deliveries can be delayed.  Appointments can be overbooked or overlooked.

For the empaths, picking up stress from other people can be intense. It’s good for you to stay out of the fray as much as possible. Also, it’s useful to put up your shields before going out each day.

For everybody else, here is some help:

1. Try practicing a little kindness to those who are insufferable. Remember that they may not have the skills you have in self-care, patience, or compassion.
2. Let thankless drivers who cut in front of you go without the inner anger you could energetically spew. After all, what does it matter in the long run? In the end, you will still have your dignity and they will likely still be asses.
3. Send a little love out from your heart to those who appear unhappy. I visualize golden light coming through the top of my head, out of my heart and into their hearts. It helps – both them and you.
4. Check into your body several times per day. If it feels stressed, stop and breathe. Say to yourself, “I’m okay. Precious body, you can settle down now. Be at peace.”
5. Rescue Remedy is a great homeopathic remedy (translation: non-toxic) – pick some up where health foods are sold and put a drop under your tongue when things become overwhelming.
6. Use EFT tapping to reduce stress. If you have forgotten, or don’t know how, read up on it here.

If the stress levels get too high, then call me for an appointment. 512-444-9777

During the holiday season, stress-driven, poor behavior will likely be exhibited by yourself and others. This behavior probably wouldn’t happen any other time of the year. I’ve got ideas for dealing with hostile drivers and overeating. Yea!

Snarly Drivers 

Let them into your lane, slow down, and don’t honk. Remember that they are also under a huge amount of pressure during the holidays, and they have less self-restraint than you do. Think of them this way: They likely have the mother-in-law from hell coming soon. They have overspent to please others and left themselves in a mess of credit card interest rates to deal with in 2015.

Office Mates

Office mates are acting crazy with the stress. Just breathe deep and say silently, “Bless you, my child!” It will feel better inside, I guarantee, and you will likely giggle as you say it. It can even affect them on the unconscious level, and perhaps help them to lighten up.

Overeating  

Understand that on a primitive level, once it begins to get cold, we are hardwired to eat as much as we can when food is available so we don’t starve over the winter. We’re also hardwired to eat sweet things, the hardest thing to find in the distant past. Stay conscious of the dangers of an overladen food table at holiday gatherings. Best to get a small plate and fill it with your finest choices, then MOVE AWAY and stay away from the table. Nibble consciously. Don’t gobble.