Author Available: How to Find Peace This Holiday Season...
Shoot for Significance Over Perfection this Holiday Season...
PUBLIUS SPECIAL GUEST: Holly Swenson, author of Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper and More Joyful Connections with Yourself and Your Children.
Did you know early 9 in 10 U.S. adults say something causes them stress during the holiday season? Help your audience keep the peace and their wellness this holiday season with helpful tips from Author, Holly Swenson.
TO BOOK INTERVIEWS EMAIL: aj.publius@gmail.com or kimberlyt.publius@gmail.com
It is helpful to remember what this time of year is really about…spending time with loved ones and coming together, as well as enjoying tradition, spreading cheer and giving thanks. No matter how quirky or controversial your loved ones might be try to embrace them and lighten up a bit and enjoy whatever time you get together.
First things first. The best place to start is to prioritize self-care, especially during the holiday season.
SELF-CARE is something I advocate for a lot and is truly a must during the holiday’s and will help you rally the ups and downs of the season with more compassion and clarity. Remembering to prioritize your mental and physical wellness will help you thrive and not just survive this time of year.
Two of the best ways to practice self-care are: Sleep (aim for 7-9 hours per night)— this will help with emotional regulation, keeping your immune system strong, will keep your energy levels feeling lifted AND Movement (1/2 hour- 1 hour daily)—hit the gym, go for a walk or run, catch a yoga class, truly whatever lights you up, lean on it and stay consistent— this is one of the best buffers there is. Regular movement reduces stress, releases endorphins, and can improve your mood. The reality is when you are tended to you are much better able to navigate stress.
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Additional tips to help you navigate the holidays with more compassion and grace:
1. Don’t overindulge in substance— this opens the door for poor decision making, arguments, and potentially aggressive behavior. Practice moderation.
2. Avoid controversial topics— politics, religion, and heated social issues which can be a source of disagreement and disharmony HOWEVER if you choose to engage with these topics or if a family member wants to go deeper here, work to stay open minded, curious, and be as kind as possible— this can be a valuable practice in and of itself and can work to nurture more understanding and respect of difference of opinion. You all might learn something from one another which I am a fan of.
3. Consider side-stepping any sensitive family memories and leave those for another time.
4. If you are really concerned about a family blowup/ intense stress/ or toxic family situations, consider spending your holidays with someone else, by yourself, or with friends who fill your cup. There is nothing wrong with a re-route when needed and being intentional here could help you find more health and happiness during the holiday season. It’s okay to let go of the societal pressure to gather with family— if it’s not serving you, give yourself an exhale and permission to proceed with what feels best.
5. Extend humanity, not hostility. There are big, divisive issues to deal with in the world, but we should try to remember we are all part of the same human family AND at the holidays try to focus on the positives, coming to together and unity. Let your grievances go, if only for a day. :)
6. Manage expectations— set personal boundaries for what you want to engage with and what you want to pass on. If you start to feel overwhelmed at a gathering take a break, go for a walk, take some deep breaths. Re-join when you feel ready.
7. Humor is a great tool for lightening the mood. Laughter is great for relaxing and relieving stress and it is a great remedy for what ails you. Remember to lift the corners of your mouth and make contact with your happiness— this is good for you and everyone around you.
**Remember what the holidays are all about which is coming together, sharing a meal, and sharing time with your loved ones you often don’t get to see most of the year. Enjoy the magic of the season in any way you celebrate. I am wishing you all the best and brightest.
BIO: Holly Swenson, author of Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper and More Joyful Connections with Yourself and Your Children, is an experienced Registered Nurse who is actively licensed in Montana. She received her degree from Montana State University and worked at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, in the nueuroscience unit.
She is an author (Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow), wellness blogger, mother of four, and has served on numerous local boards in her community over the years. She brings her scientific knowledge, exceptional organizational/ teamwork skills, work ethic, and client and community focus to Bank of Montana, where she works as the community and business development officer.
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Holly Swenson, author of Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper and More Joyful Connections with Yourself and Your Children.
TO BOOK INTERVIEWS EMAIL: aj.publius@gmail.com or kimberlyt.publius@gmail.com