While the holidays and family reunions at the end of the year are often sources of stress, this year more than ever, they are likely to put our nerves to the test. Carole Serrat, life coach and sophrologist, gives you some advice on how to enjoy your family evenings.
Tips for a peaceful family dinner
The brain remembers stressful experiences for a long time. You may feel uncomfortable about a previous family meal that went wrong. The technique :
- Plan your evening positively. A few hours before the meal, lie down for a while in a quiet place.
- First, ask yourself the right questions: “Why am I stressed? “,” What am I afraid of? “
- Breathe through your nose filling yourself with positive energy, exhale deeply through your mouth eliminating all apprehension.
- Do your mental programming. Imagine yourself relaxed, happy, enjoying your meal, enjoying the company of your loved ones.
- Cultivate kindness, express your affection to those around you: it is true that we sometimes forget to tell others that we love them … If you have grievances towards a member of your family, that evening , forget them, let go, be in forgiveness and not in resentment.
- Focus on the things that bring you together, the good memories you have in common.
- Realize the importance of this Christmas ritual for the family, although this year the circle may be smaller.
- Remember: emotional relationships are the most essential components of our emotional balance, and therefore of our happiness and health.
Solutions for a peaceful solo Christmas
Savor the time you have to pamper yourself. Choose a fun activity that can stimulate your imagination to overcome the feeling of isolation and dispel loneliness (for example, discover coloring for adults or writing, read a new book or watch a good movie that you want to watch again. ).
Physical activity is also a great way to boost morale and protect your mental health. Do you like to run or walk? An outdoor trip is particularly recommended, not only to keep fit but to reconnect with nature.
Take care of yourself by doing this inner refuge meditation 20 minutes a day to comfort yourself. The instructions :
- Sit comfortably, close your eyes, then let go. Breathe deeply.
- With each exhale, expel the discomfort and sadness by returning your attention to your body.
- Reconnect with your “inner friend”. Embrace your arms and welcome this feeling of warmth that diffuses through you, this feeling of fullness. Connect to this sacred space deep inside.
- So you feel loved, warmed up. Let your loneliness dissipate.
Read also :
- Stop the sores that spoil the holidays
- New Year’s Eve: how to avoid a hangover?
- Heart coherence: 5 exercises to easily de-stress
