12 Tips to Brighten your Holiday Season

12 Tips to Brighten your Holiday Season

Tis, the season to be jolly!! 

Easier said than done, right?  We understand.  As mothers, wives, daughters, and entrepreneurs, this time of year can be filled with extra stress, hectic schedules and lots of overwhelm.  

We’ve found over the years sometimes we just need a good reminder to make room for the things that help us slow down and bring joy into the holidays.  

This year, we want to share with you some of our favourite stress-busting, holidays-brightening tips to act as reminders to take care of yourself and find time to really enjoy the holiday season.

12 Tips to have you shining brighter this season!!

1. Create a Gratitude List.  Gratitude can shift our attitude instantly.  Taking time each day to reflect on the ‘goodness” in your life is a much better way to end a day vs. the ever-growing to-do list.  Try writing 5-10 items of gratitude each night before bed and see if it helps you sleep. Or try what Janey and her husband do, they share 3 things they're grateful for with each other before they fall asleep.  It’s a great way to learn more about each other's day as well. 
   
   
2. Paying it forward.  We all know how great it feels to pay it forward. From buying a coffee to donating to your local food bank, we all have an opportunity to make the world a brighter place through giving.
   
   
3. Go for a walk.  Taking a few minutes each day to get outside is a great way to calm your mind and be present.  Our environment is stronger than our willpower so a shift in scenery is always a great way to shift your energy and feel better.
   
   
4. Connect with an old friend.   Ahhh, pick up the phone and call that friend you have been missing chatting with.  Shannon, will often even just leave a voicemail and let the person know she’s been thinking about them.  Using your voice is powerful and brightens everyone’s day.
   
   
5. Turn up the Music.  YES!!  Sing, dance, whatever.  We all know that “good vibrations” feeling we get when our favourite song comes on. 
   
    
6. Write a handwritten love note.  We have become so digital over the past few years, that taking time to write a handwritten note has become a beautiful way to connect with someone.  A love note, a gratitude note, a holiday blessing, whatever you choose will make a lasting impression on the person who receives it.  This is another way to give two gifts at once.  Do you remember the last handwritten note you received?
   
   
7. Bath time!!  Light a candle, grab a good book and soak it UP!  Being in the water is such a great way to wash off the stress and worry from the day and soak up all the yummy goodness.  As Oprah says, there’s just something about soaking in the tub and watching the flicker of the flame, it calms your spirit and soothes your soul.
   
   
8. Enjoy a Special candlelight dinner.   Yes.  A little romance can go a long way, to ease our stress and brighten our mood.  Don’t overthink it.  Just be in the moment.  Our “Love” scented candle is PERFECT for that evening burn. ;) 
   
   
9. Give an anonymous gift of love.  What if you could brighten a stranger’s day. There are so many ways to bless others.  Be creative.  Drop off a gift at someone's door and run so they don’t see you!  Leave a gift card on a coworker’s desk and let them know they are appreciated.  
   
   
10.  Star Gazing.  As we enter into the longest nights of the year, it offers us an opportunity to star gaze early and linger a little longer.  Bundle up and head outdoors for some special moments of being present just where you are.   When we choose to be reminded that we are a tiny speck on this beautiful planet, we are reminded of just how awesome this universe is and that we are a part of it.  
    
    
11. Remember Hibernation is cool.  Don’t fight the season, flow with the season.  December is a time of year when we all want to snuggle up near the fire and relax.  So, listen to your body and rest.  This is the season of renewal and rejuvenation, a time to reflect and bring forth new ideas and inspiration.  A great reminder to go with the flow.
    
    Last and not least….
    
    
12. Watch a funny movie and belly laugh. Who doesn’t love a great laugh.  Watch a funny holiday movie, tell some funny jokes or watch a great comedy.  When we laugh we release endorphins and they are our feel-good chemicals.  When we laugh, it automatically improves our mood!

We’d love to hear from you!  Let us know which one is your favorite or if you have some other tips to share with us.  

In love and light, 

Shannon and Janey