Stop and Smell the Roses

I was rushing down the street yesterday, anxious not to arrive late to an appointment, my head whirling with agenda items, grocery lists, pick up dry cleaning, get cash out for the babysitter etc…when I passed by a beautiful rose garden. In truth, I have walked by this garden may times over the past decade and never took much notice.

I am not sure how I have missed such a stunning sight – pink, purple and peach roses in full bloom (in November? Only in California!) I stopped and did something I never do. I took a sniff. Of each different rose variety. The perfume was a mix of lavender and peach infused rose.

As we approach the holiday season, we tend to become even more hurried than ever. There are guests to host, parties to plan, feasts to shop and cook for. Work days are full with the pressure to “get it all done!” Instead of being a place of peace and relaxation, home often becomes the center of more demands while the To Do list grows.

During this holiday season, give yourself A BREAK.

Studies show that even five minutes of meditation, deep breathing or relaxation a day, shifts the brain’s chemistry, allowing for reduced anxiety and stress.

HOLIDAY GIFT TO YOURSELF

Give yourself FIVE minutes each day to do one of the following:

Breathe deeply  

Smell flowers

Close your eyes and daydream

Lie down (night time sleep doesn’t count!)

Laugh

See what a difference it makes for you.

Happy holidays, Tamar