How to Get Through the Holiday Chaos with Positivity

December is in full swing and as joyous a time it is, it can also be super chaotic. So, I'm going to give you my top tips for maintaining your sanity and holiday cheer throughout the month and therefore prevent you (hopefully) from losing your mind before we enter the new year.

1. show gratitude every day

Every morning I write down three things I'm grateful for, and it has quite meditative effects on me. By thinking of three things I'm grateful for in the morning, I kick my day off with a grateful and positive mindset.  You don't have to think too hard and get too deep--you can keep it simple.  This morning, my three things were: my Panda Planner, life lessons, and new connections. Gratitude is the foundation of happiness, so start each day with gratitude and you can't go wrong.
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2. Stay Organized

I mentioned my Panda Planner, and I kid you not it is saving my life and making me so much more productive and efficient. The panda planner is organized in such a way that makes using a planner fun, but also helps you prioritize your goals and count your blessings.  Each day starts with writing down three things you're grateful for, so already it's helping you with my #1 tip. It's a planner like no other, and you can start it any time, because there are no dates in it, and you have to write it in yourself.  There's monthly calendars, as well as daily, and then pages for reflection.  I purposefully chose to start mine in December, and I know we've just started the month, but it's already saving my life.  With how chaotic and busy are schedules get, especially at this time of year, having something that keeps you organized so that you don't stress out or freak out.
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3.  Count your wins and think about how you can improve the next day

This one I'm stealing from my Panda Planner, because at the end of each day you're meant to write down three wins of the day, and one way you can improve.  I think that's really important, because recognizing positives out of your day keeps up the positive mindset, and you can go to bed on a positive note.  Consider one way you can improve is a way to remember we're all human so there's always room for improvement.  When you approach improvement from a positive mindset, it's a way of showing yourself compassion, forgiveness, and kindness and we all need to show ourselves more of all of that.  
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4. stay active

Remember that staying active isn't just about physical health, but also mental health.  So, do some yoga, get some cardio in, do some strength training, whatever it is to get your heart rate up, give you endorphins and energy, and make you feel good about yourself.  
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5. Take Time to Enjoy The Holiday Spirit

I find it very difficult to not feel absolutely joyous when I'm around holiday lights and decorations.  My girlfriends and I spent the day at The Grove on Sunday, which is generally mad crowded during weekends, summers, and of course the holiday season.  However, despite the the crowd, it's so wonderfully decorated with a HUGE Christmas tree, a darling giant Santa's house where kids are getting their photos snapped with Santa, and lights everywhere, and I just feel like I'm at Disneyland.  The whole spirit of the season makes me giddy like a child.  Maybe it's just me and every other Christmas crazed soul, but take the time to look around and appreciate the season--not the over commercialized aspect of it, but the true holiday spirit of joy, peace, and love. So sip some tea or hot chocolate, and take a stroll through some lights, have a chill night and watch some Christmas movies, or roast some marshmallows (see video below for a great at home s'more making night if you don't have your own fireplace).

How else do you all stay positive through the holiday season? Wishing you all a positive holiday season full of warmth, love, and joy!

BE LOVE. BE BRAVE. BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER.

Love,

​Justine