Yesterday we thought a new thought (or at least I did!) about feeling overwhelmed this season… but in a good way.
Feeling overwhelmed is common during the holidays. But, if we allowed ourselves to be overwhelmed in ways that are pleasing and good instead of negative and bad, this season would feel entirely different.
Yes, there are added pressures during the holidays, and some of us deal with sadness and grief through them. Our to-do lists are longer during December, and our finances may become tighter.
Stress grows and joy disappears.
But not this year. This year we’re doing things differently. This year we’re overwhelmed with beauty and grace and peace of the season.
We’re moving from stressed to blessed.
And, we’re being the change we want to see this season.
5 Ways To Move From Stressed To Blessed This Christmas Season
1 – Instead of trying to do more, ask for help and do less.
We aren’t designed to wear capes and be Super Woman or Superman, and we don’t need to do everything ourselves. We can feel less stressed by asking another to help… whether it’s hanging the lights, cutting out sugar cookies, or wrapping presents. It’s much more fun, plus it blesses the other person, too.
2 – When you feel stress rising, breathe.
Do you, like me, sometimes push through the stress? That can often make the stress worse. Next time, let’s stop and take a deep breath. Count 4 seconds while breathing in, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This helps to calm us and to focus on something else… the gift of breathing. That’s a true blessing!
3 – Focus on blessings, not burdens.
Let’s begin to consider what’s on our to-do lists and what’s on our plates as blessings, not burdens. Instead of thinking we “have” to do them, let’s change it to we “get” to do them. Considering each a privilege changes our perspectives, our attitudes, and helps us see the blessings.
4 – Take a break.
Pause and take a break from the routine. Go relax somewhere that brings you joy… at home, at a coffee shop, at a park. Even if it’s just on your lunch break. Change up the scenery and immerse yourself in it’s blessings. Enjoy every moment.
5 – Get moving.
Exercise is not only good for us, but as most of us already know, it helps relieve stress. Mayo Clinic says exercise pumps up our feel-good neurotransmitters, it helps shed daily tensions, boosts our energy and optimism, and actually relaxes us. Even if it’s a brisk walk through the neighborhood, or dancing in the living room, a little exercise helps us go from stressed to blessed.
What should we add to this list? I’d love to read your suggestions.
If you’re feeling stressed today, I invite you to pick one of the above today and see what happens. Give yourself permission to move from stressed to blessed.
Thanks for stopping over today.
Blessings!
Julie
Linking up with friends Crystal and Deb. I invite you to visit their beautiful online spaces!
I would add to keep having a daily time with God no matter how busy this season can become. It makes all the difference to me when I do!
Kelly, absolutely! It does make all the difference. Praying that special time with God deepens your love and passion for Jesus and in serving Him this season! Thank you for your addition and for coming over. Bless you!
Overwhelmed by the good… Amen!! Gotta admit I came to your blog after checking out the finances and trying to figure out my gift budget for this year (slim to none….) and I was feeling pretty stressed… but your post made me shift focus to all the good things I could do instead of buy… letters of appreciation and thanks and spending time rather than money on people. We’re all already so blessed anyway since we have Christ. Thanks for an uplifting read Julie!! Glad to have hopped over here from #freshmarketfriday!
Heather, you are so right… we are already blessed because of Christ. Your perspective is refreshing, and I’m thankful you shared it here. I appreciate how you have shifted your focus to what’s important this season. I’m trying to do that too… daily. Those ideas of gifts will be more meaningful and memorable anyway. May we all find ways to be overwhelmed by the good!
Loved seeing you on stage with Lauren last night! What a beautiful event. And amen to this . . . rejecting the stress of the season and celebrating His joy. Thanks for sharing this at the Link Party, Julie! God bless you!
Thank you, Deb! It was a gift to be able to be there and to serve alongside of Lauren and these wonderful ladies. I enjoy your online space each time I visit. Keep up the great work on point us all to our Lord! Thanks for hosting us and for stopping over. Blessings!
Hi Julie,
I was at the #findingjoylive event last night and enjoyed hearing your stories during the panel discussion! I completely agree with your post. Over the past few years, I’ve stopped doing some things that I found stressful every year and focused instead on the things that have meaning for me or my family. (ie. I stopped sending Christmas cards, but still decorate a few areas of our home because my daughter loves it.)
Merry Christmas!
Laura
Hi Laura! I’m so glad you stopped in today. Wasn’t last evening a fun night out?! Thank you for attending! It’s wonderful how you’ve been able to let some things go that have caused stress for you in the past. So wise! May this Christmas be extra-blessed for you! Merry Christmas to you!
Lovely list! I would add trying to do one nice thing for someone each day–be it holding a door open for an overloaded shopper or paying for the coffee of the person behind you in the Starbucks drivethrough.
Great additions, Anita. Thanks for those! Always a joy to see your beautiful face here and to read your words. Hugs to you today!
Julie, I love that all of these are simple ways to make a huge difference! Breathe has been a big thing for me in just reconneting with calm in the moment I feel stress. It helps difuse the stress almost instantly and sound thinking returns:) I’m refreshed just reading this post my friend!
Thanks, Crystal, for this reminder to breathe. So important this time of year, especially. Thank you for hosting us each Friday at your space! Merry Christmas!