Post-holiday cheer can be followed by post-holiday stress! Below are
some tips and tricks to help.

AWARENESS:

• Take time to identify your thoughts and feelings daily... you can do this by
  writing them out or just pausing and paying attention. Challenge any unhelpful
  thoughts.
• Focus on things that give you energy... ensure to do those things at least 3x a
  day.
• Breathing will always be the number one immediate physical stress response
  stopper- do breathing exercises throughout the day -simply inhaling for 4 counts
  through nose and exhaling through mouth for 4 counts can do the trick.

HARMONY:

• Identify what’s most important for you during this time. Make sure your
  expectations of yourself and others are realistic.
• Focus on quality instead of quantity- spend time only doing one thing at a time.
• Make sure you take a mental break throughout the day at least 3- 5 minute
  breaks.

ACCEPTANCE:

• Recognize your strengths, skills and abilities and identify how they can help you
  during this time.
• Be okay with having lots of emotions, feelings and thoughts. Don’t get caught up
  in self-judgment.
• Be okay with letting other people be where they are without judging them.

COMMITTED ACTION:

• Say affirmations daily such as “Tough times are a part of life.” “I am doing the
  best I can and that is okay for now.”
• Focus on getting good quality sleep.
• Stay well-nourished and hydrated.
• Get sunlight.
• Do something every day that gets you in the “groove” of your skills and abilities.
• Journal
• Set a daily intention and reflect on your success in the evening.
• Identify/Say/Write 3 things you are grateful for each day.
• Be a good friend to yourself.
• Ask for help if you need it; stay connected to positive people.
• Identify something that brings you joy each day from your 5 senses.
  

Special thanks to Stacy Collier, DNP, MUSC Health  - Midlands, Division Chief Quality Officer, for this submission.

If you are a Chamber member and are interested in submitting an article that would be helpful to our business community and members, please email Amy Kinard at akinard@kershawcountychamber.org