Your 1-minute exercise for the holidays [Money Tip]

A very Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas from my family and all of us here at Own

Your Money. This can be a special time to connect and allow ourselves to feel the peace, joy, and love this holiday season.

However, amidst the mall lines, Christmas music, and festive lights, it’s easy to get caught up in the need for more buying. The word “SALE” is everywhere and lures us to buy more.

So, today I am sharing a simple strategy you can put into place immediately.

Since there isn’t much time for your gym work out, I have a different “exercise” for you. One that will help you to be present, resist buying that next thing, and enjoy your family time more…

MONEY TIP: BREATHE… When you find yourself with a wave of stress, anxiety or guilt, or when that cousin says just the wrong thing, or your to do list before the holidays seems overwhelming [is this just me? :-)], resist the urge to react and then step away.

Instead follow these simple steps in this relaxing 4-7-8 breath exercise (framework from Dr. Weil):

• Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
• Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of
• Hold your breath for a count of 7.
• Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of 8.
• This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation.

ACTION STEPS (all in less than 5 minutes): Try it now. The whole 4 breath cycle takes about one minute – and instantly brings you more calm.

Next, take 3 minutes while you are relaxed to reflect on your 2015… What worked? What didn’t work so well? I’m sure you accomplished and enjoyed so much over the last year – take all that in. Then consider… What would you like to be, do and have for 2016?

Lastly, look at your calendar and find a 15 minute (or more) block over the next week before New Years Eve, where you can be by yourself for a few minutes and reflect. Block it in now as “Love my life time.” Sit quietly or take a walk. Allow yourself to reflect on the past year and dream about the new year ahead.

Let us know how these quick action steps went by commenting below – and we’ll be cheering you on!

2015 has been awesome – and 2016 will just keep getting better.

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