3 min reading

Time flies and this is the time of the year when people start to rush for various reasons, ..rushing to finish work, rushing to buy gifts, rushing to prepare for parties, rushing to clear 2019 bucket list, and rushing for various other reasons. If you fall into one of this category, just like me, you might be thinking that this is an exciting time of the year, and at the same a tiring time!

Recently, a colleague asked me, “Have you bought a Christmas gift for yourself?”
A simple question, yet made me to think hard….What I want for Christmas?

Finally after long thought, my answer is…REST!

Have you ever thought to have a good rest as a gift for yourself? Some of you will say that it is easier to say than done. YES! I totally agreed with you.

That said, it’s time to remind ourselves that we have a choice. A choice to give “Time to rest” as the gift for ourselves. It doesn’t have to be a “big” gift, like a week holiday at the beach or in the yoga retreat. It can be a “small” but precious gift, such as an hour on a weekend morning to watch TV while having breakfast, or an hour doing massage, or something that you really enjoy.

So, these are 3 simple suggestions to help you in “buying” TIME as your Christmas gift.

Don’t say “YES” (if you mean “NO”).

This is the time when many events happening, from parties, gathering with friends and families, and so on. While maintaining our relationship and having a social life are important, it is necessary to know our priority. We live in an era where there are many distractions around us, so it’s important for us to be MINDFUL of what we really want in life. If you think that joining the parties is important for you, go and enjoy the parties. Because when you enjoy doing something, you’ll feel energized.

What to do?

Now, you have decided to “buy” the gift of time for yourself. The next question you might ask yourself is, “What should I do to? I only have 1 hour, but I want to do so many things.”
No matter how long you can put aside for your rest time, make sure that you use the hour(s) to the most. It is normal that once we have set time for ourselves, we feel lost, as there are thousands of things that we want to do.
So, do your HOMEWORK earlier, even before you have the “actual” rest hour(s)! Find out what makes you feel energized and uplifted. Massage? Nice meal? Jogging? Or Sleeping? Each of us is unique, so find your own activity!

Last but not least….

You have decided to have rest time and you know what you want to do. So, you are set for action….or aren’t you?

Some of you might feel guilty for saying “NO” to those people who have invited you. Some of you might feel guilty to plan your own hideaway, without including your family. And you start to think if you should “return” your gift. It is OK to feel guilty. It is a normal emotion.  Just acknowledge the feeling, but don’t stop there. Take the next step by asking yourself “Why do I feel guilty to rest?” Only by being HONEST with yourself, you will be able to enjoy the rest time.  Also, take the opportunity to appreciate and be grateful for the rest time that you have.

To sum it up, be MINDFUL of why we want to get “REST” as our Christmas gift. Once we have decided to rest, use our 5 senses to experience the precious gift. Last but not least, be grateful and appreciate the gift.

 Any other tips to share?

 Happy holiday everyone!