5 Unexpected Tips to Beat Your Holiday Stress

'Tis the season to be jolly. If you're seeking ideas on how to ease into the holiday season and lessen your stress, read on for 5 Unexpected Tips to Beat Your Holiday Stress!

1. Recognize your holiday stress triggers: A stress trigger is an incident that causes either a negative physical (e.g., headache, cold, or pain) or emotional response (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, or sadness). The holiday challenge is that stress triggers can be associated with family and personal relationships, or finances. What are your holiday triggers? A dreaded encounter or perhaps the absence of a loved one? Concerns about your holiday shopping list or travel? Becoming aware is your first step to lessening your stress.
2. Be willing to let go of past resentments: Once you've identified your triggers, consider viewing them from a NEW perspective. If you're already dreading an encounter, try imagining that your experience will NOT be negative.  Set an intention to approach the person with a positive outlook, and not allow their comments or behaviors to affect your stress level. 
3. Seek out lower-cost holiday options (e.g., "grab bags," "Secret Santa’s," or “potluck” dinners): If your trigger is your finances, be honest with yourself and your family about what you can and cannot take on this year. Focus your attention on how great it will feel to spend time with those whom you love. Infuse yourself with the true holiday spirit of loving and sharing!
4. Tune in to your holiday self-talk: We all have a running script of "self-talk." These are unconscious thoughts about finances, relationships, or goals that occur when you're stressed or overwhelmed. Coach yourself to flip your script for a more positive outlook. When you notice a negative thought, tell yourself to STOP! Take a deep breath, think of a positive statement, and reflect. Think of as many positive ideas that show the negative perspective is NOT true. 
5. Give yourself holiday ME-TIME: With the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget your needs. Build time into your holiday schedule just for you. Take on a new physical activity; or social activity, like volunteering to help others in need. Sharpen your mental abilities with a new book; unplug from your devices. Create more space in your mind for holiday joy!

This year has been a year of many changes for me, some of which I've not yet shared with you. Looking back, I'm thankful for all of the expected AND unexpected blessings that 2014 has brought me. For example, I literally have a new looking-glass through which to view the world, my new living space! Now, I'm looking forward to spending time with my parents and extended family over the holiday season.

What are YOU most thankful for? How will YOU beat your holiday stress? Comment here or tweet me on Twitter. Happy Thanksgiving!!

What I'm Thankful For This Year

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share some things for which I'm grateful that have happened in 2013. It's been an interesting year of wonderful surprises and unexpected challenges. Here are just a few that come to mind:

I'm thankful for ...

• My parents -- for their continued support and encouragement, and for their sheer presence at this stage in our lives 

• My friends -- both my "golden oldies" who are always there for me, and my new-found acquaintances and colleagues

• My journey to becoming a runner -- both my Couch-to-5K training and my first race taught me so much about extending beyond my (perceived) physical limitations. I'll never forget the jitters I had while riding on the F train to Coney Island to run my first full "Turkey Trot" 5K in 20-degree weather, and how my fingers were freezing while waiting for the race to begin. Nor the doubts I overcame even while jumping up and down to stay warm waiting on the boardwalk! My finish time now gives me a goal to achieve in 2014 -- running under a 10-minute mile!

Pre-Race: Coney Island Sports Fdn Turkey Trot 5K

• My trip "down under" to Australia -- not only because of the miracle of traveling to the other side of the world (I will never forget the landing in Sydney, AU) but because of the internal/external work that was involved in me getting there. There was no guarantee that I'd be going on the trip -- I had to push beyond my (perceived) professional limitations to sell enough registrations and attract enough mentors, sponsors for the event to be viable, before my ticket was even purchased! 

Sydney Opera House: Sydney, AU

This year's "1-Word" for me to operate by was SURRENDER. I believe I'm still learning and internalizing the definition of that word: "trusting that God, the Universe, or a higher intelligence can accomplish anything, even when you can’t foresee the outcome of a situation." -- Deepak Chopra

At some of my lowest or scariest moments this year, I've been able to surrender to the higher intelligence even when I didn't know how things would turn out. Often, it's been that I've realized after my experience that my perseverance is in itself a form of surrender -- a sustained focus on my intentions, with trust that things will turn out for the best (on a larger, universal level). 

I'm learning to be grateful for ALL of my experiences because of the lessons they teach me. It really isn't about the destination, but about the journey. So, on this recognized day of Gratitude, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Would love to know what YOU are thankful/grateful for? Tweet me or share in the comments below.

Let's Talk About Holiday Stress on December 12

Due to unforeseen circumstances related to Hurricane Sandy and the relief efforts throughout New York City, the Masters of Health & Wellness event has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 12 from 5:30 - 8: 30 PM. We decided it was the best thing to do as our city and our communities continue to recover and get back on our feet.

The beautiful state-of-the-art Farber Center for Radiation Oncology was directly impacted by the storm due to its location in TriBeCa. Yet, we're excited to report that the Center is doing fine and will still host our event.

My talk will still be on Chronic Stress: The Hidden Health Risks & How to Reduce Them. Did you know that 36% of employees lose an hour or more per week due to stress? On December 12th, I'll also be sharing tips on how to manage holiday stress -- including how to find your own holiday sanctuary!

Proceeds from our event will still benefit The Seeds of Care Foundation, which provides local support services for cancer patients during and after treatment.

If you will be in the New York City area during the holidays, I hope you will join us on December 12th! Come meet me along with other preventive health experts -- including Culinary Nutrition pioneer Stefanie Sacks -- to learn about important matters affecting your health. Start 2013 off right -- and reduce your risk for chronic health issues!

Embrace Your Life With Love and Gratitude

One of my favorite quotes/affirmations comes from a guided meditation I often listen to called Love & Gratitude:

The more I embrace my life with LOVE and GRATITUDE, the more my life becomes a song of PEACE that I joyfully share with the world.

On this day of Thanksgiving, I'm once again inspired to reflect on the things and people for whom I'm most grateful. I'll make some connections to my 3 Words for 2011 as well.

I'm always grateful for my parents and for the time I get to spend with them. It doesn't escape me how lucky I am to still have them in my life. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to have helped them celebrate their milestone birthdays this year.

I'm grateful for my friends -- for those who are more like family, and for those who are new friends. I'm grateful for the possibility to attract the right people with the right energy into my life.

I'm grateful for my abilities that allow me to run my business and attract/retain clients. I'm grateful for the new projects as well as the opportunity to reconnect with old partners to help transform people's lives and organizations.

From my 3 Words, I'm grateful for the opportunity to RELEASE some old stories that were keeping me stuck in old paradigms and mindsets. It's been a year of self-discovery that has truly tested my ability to "walk my talk." And, as a coach, I know that transformation is an ongoing process. As one of my coaches indicated in a session: "Yesterday's transformation is today's ego trip."

Also from my 3 Words, I'm grateful for the opportunity to take some unreasonable ACTIONS in my personal sphere. While all of the outcomes may not have been what I intended, I'm grateful for the experiences as I know they will serve me in the long run.

And, I'm grateful for my ability to keep my heart open to LOVE in all its manifestations as I can continue on my journey.

I hope you'll take some time to reflect on those things and people for whom you're most grateful. Feel free to share them here, if you'd like. Be sure to share them with the special people in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Cyber Monday 2011: Save 20% on VIP Coaching Days

What dreams could you manifest in 2012 with better health and better communication?

The possibilities are endless! Even better, you can save 20% on a VIP Coaching Day to help you get started when you sign up on Cyber Monday, November 28!

Have you ever wondered why others fail to achieve their big dreams and goals? Studies have shown that 83% of people hit barriers in the process -- sounds about right -- here's the kicker: these people aren't working with a coach to get accountability and support, so when their own efforts don't work out, they typically GIVE UP!

Do you want to be part of the 17% of people who WILL achieve their goals in 2012? Get a jumpstart on your 2012 dreams and reserve your private VIP Coaching Day.

Your VIP Coaching Day gives you dedicated, individual access to me online for a half-day. This targeted timeframe means we'll get right down to business to pinpoint your most significant health or communication challenge, and come up with positive, proactive solutions that you can start using right away!

You have two options for a VIP Coaching Day:

1. Communication Breakthrough VIP Day: to exude confidence and rock your next business meeting or interview by mastering techniques like body language, assertiveness, and people style (not fashion, but how others view the way you communicate)
2. Healthy Habits - Healthy Minds VIP Day: to live a brilliant, radiant lifestyle without tension and anxiety by incorporating habits like meditation, affirmations, and chakra clearing

Save up to $200 on this one-day holiday sale: when you sign up online at Betterfly.com ONLY on Cyber Monday, November 28!

Remember, it's important to plan your 2012 personal growth and development activities. Why not treat yourself to a ME-TIME gift this holiday season! Know that I'm rooting for your success now and in the coming year.

4 Tips to Beat Holiday Stress

'Tis (almost) the season to be jolly. That's what the holiday-themed store windows and commercials are telling us. Despite all of the early bird hoopla, I prefer to ease myself into the holiday season. It's my personal tactic to mitigate and manage the stress often associated with this time of year. That and watching my parents and their phenomenal choir perform the Handel's Messiah Concert at Abyssinian Church in December.

If you're seeking more ideas on how to ease into this holiday season, read on for 4 Tips to Beat Holiday Stress!

• Recognize your holiday stress triggers: A stress trigger is a change or occurrence in your life that causes you to have either a negative physical response (e.g., headache, cold, or muscle ache) or emotional response (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, or distractedness). The challenge during the holidays is that stress triggers can be associated with our family and personal relationships, or our financial situation. What are your potential triggers? Is it an expected encounter with someone or perhaps another person's absence? Have concerns about creating your holiday shopping list or scheduling your holiday travel? Becoming aware is your first step -- knowing what are your holiday stress triggers helps you be proactive in how you respond.

• Be willing to let go of the past: Once you've identified your triggers, consider viewing them from a NEW, fresh perspective. If you're already dreading an encounter with someone, try on the possibility that the experience will NOT be negative. Can you let go of past offenses and resentments? Set an intention to approach the person with a positive outlook, and not allow their comments or behaviors to change your mood or stress level. If your concern is about holiday shopping or travel because of your financial situation, be honest with yourself and your family about what you can and cannot take on this year. Seek out fun, lower cost options (like family "grab bags" or "Secret Santas," potluck dinners, and layaway for significant items). Focus your attention on how great it will feel to spend time with those whom you love and enjoy. Infuse yourself with the true holiday spirit of loving and sharing!

• Tune in to your holiday self-talk: In addition to your favorite holiday song or commercial jingle you can't forget, there's also a running script of "self-talk." These are thoughts or messages you repeat silently to yourself, often about your financial situation, your personal abilities, and your chances of achieving your goals in the coming year. It's great when these messages are positive; they can be very empowering. Sometimes, though, negative messages pop up when you're stressed out or overwhelmed. You CAN coach yourself to flip the script to create a more positive outlook. The next time you notice a negative thought or message, tell yourself to STOP! Take a deep breath, think of a positive statement, and reflect on someone who inspires and supports you. Take it a step further by writing down the negative message; then cross it out, and write down as many positive ideas and statements that prove your negative thought about yourself or your abilities is NOT true or valid. Create more space in your mind for joy and fulfillment!

• Give yourself holiday ME-TIME: With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be easy to to forget about our own needs. Build time into your holiday schedule just for you. Consider taking on a new physical activity you might enjoy like a winter sport (from snowboarding to ice skating!); or a new social activity like volunteering to help others who are in need during the season; sharpen your mental abilities with a new book or game; unplug from your various devices for a little while to relax and quiet your mind. Explore and discover all that the holiday season has to offer!

If you're interested in more tips to jumpstart your career during the holiday season, read my blog post on how to Shine at Your Professional Holiday Parties.

And, if you'd like to learn more about the potential long-term impact of stress on your life, read my post on 9 Early Warning Signs that Stress is Negatively Impacting Your Life.

Know that I'm rooting for your success, health and wellbeing. Here's wishing you the start of an abundant, joyful, magical holiday season!

Professional Holiday Parties - Tips to Help You to Shine

As the holiday season is now upon us, it seems timely to share some tips and ideas to help you navigate the professional holiday party scene. As I have shared many of these tips before, I thought I'd encourage you to (re)review my blog post: Tis the Season to be Jolly ... NOT for Career Folly.

You'll notice that the post was written in December 2005 (yes, I've been blogging for over four years now!). I think the tips are still appropriate; what do you think?

In today's economy, I'd probably add a few more suggestions:

• Determine which of the events will give you your "biggest bang for the buck." You'll want to budget for holiday events just as you would any other networking events. Survey all of the events in your area that interest you, and prioritize them in order of relevance to your 2010 personal/professional goals. Perhaps one well-selected "high-ticket" event will expand your network more than several lower cost ones.
• Be a connector – help others to meet relevant contacts in your network. Networking is also about what you can give -- and, 'tis the season to give! If people see you as someone who is helpful, they’ll be more likely to help you. This relates to my next tip ...
• Be conscientious about your follow-up. LISTEN more than you're speaking when you meet new people. Take note of their interests and goals. For those people with whom you'd like to stay in contact, make time to share information that would be helpful or interesting to them.
• When someone asks, “What’s new?” be prepared with an answer that might make someone say "WOW!" We all have experienced some challenges this year; and yet, inspiring stories are always good to hear. This might require some additional thought -- think of the good things that have happened this year; think of the positive people in your support circle; think of the small wins you've already achieved. I'm confident you can come up with a couple of ideas.

Please share your thoughts, ideas and other survival tips here on the blog or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

And, BEST WISHES to you and yours for a

HEALTHY, HAPPY, JOYFUL, ABUNDANT HOLIDAY SEASON!

Words of Thanks from Coach Colette

In honor of the season and Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I'd share my thoughts on people and things for which I'm thankful.

• I am thankful for my family - especially my parents who have given me love, encouragement and support throughout my life. The dinner I'm cooking only scratches the surface at my love at gratitude to you both.
• I am thankful for my friends - many of whom are not "local" to my area. But know that I'm glad for our connection.
• I am thankful for my health - I've felt a few more "creaks" in the joints; but overall, thanks to the body that enabled me to travel the country this year -- often on less sleep and nourishment than it deserved!
• I am thankful for my talents and abilities - touches on the core mission of my company to help others recognize their greatness -- I'm glad for my skills (including those I've not yet surfaced).
• I am thankful for my business - a vehicle to help fulfill my life purpose.
• I am thankful for my home - even when I'm stir crazy on those "in-office" days, I'm aware of how lucky I am to have a warm safe place to live.
• I am thankful for all the "right" people with the "right" energy I've met - along the way, on the journey ...

AND ...

I am grateful for the opportunity to express these thoughts and share positive energy with YOU!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours!

Share Your 2009 Goals, Get FREE Assessment

The holiday spirit has inspired me a bit early this year. Since I know there may be some who'll be looking for low (or NO) cost gift items, I've decided to participate in the Esculon GIFT FEST, a blog holiday carnival in which bloggers offer FREE gifts and FUN contests. What does that mean for you?

Well, if you complete our Online 2009 Professional Growth Survey and share your professional goals for next year, you'll receive a FREE Competent Advantage TM Assessment. AND, I've decided to offer you EITHER a Career Self-Assessment OR a Business Assessment -- depending on what your goals are.

So, if you're focusing on improving your Career, then you can get a FREE Career Self-Assessment to help plan your 2009 strategy. If you're thinking about launching or expanding your "side hustle" into a business, then you can get a FREE Business Assessment to help identify your 2009 priorities. Instructions on how to receive your FREE assessment are at the end of the Professional Growth Survey.

Does it seem a bit early to be thinking about next year's goals? It really isn't (especially for those of you who will be having year-end performance review conversations). By the time the holidays really get here, you'll likely be focusing on other things. Take some time to plan for yourself NOW.

I also thought it would be cool to create a community of support -- your own group of online cheerleaders -- and keep track of what we'll all be working on next year. So, you can also share a quick response about your 2009 professional goals in the poll below.








Click HERE to take the full, online 2009 Professional Goals survey. Post your goals or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

NEW Podcast on Healthy Holiday Eating

Now that the year-end holiday season is underway, many of us may be concerned about keeping our fitness goals on track despite the many tempting treats we will encounter at company and association holiday parties, family dinners, gatherings with friends ... etc. You know what I'm talking about! :)

Well, last week, I recorded a podcast with Amy Rivera, a weight loss coach with Keystone Life Coaching. She is also a founding partner of BeWellLiving.com, an online resource for health and wellness. In this conversation, we talked about healthy holiday eating habits and tips to NOT offend your friends or family if their eating habits don’t coincide with yours.

Believe it or not, macaroni and cheese is one of my weaknesses. There is also a strong emotional-familial connection to that dish because it reminds me of my grandma. And, my choice to not eat meat (except fish) sometimes makes it hard to avoid overdoing it on carbs (mac/cheese, candied yams, stuffing, and/or rice). So, I will aim to practice a few of Amy's tips -- exercising before I go to Christmas dinner (pilates has become a near-habit) and eating slowly.

Listen to the podcast and let me know how you will eating healthy during the holidays!

For What are You MOST Thankful?

As we approach the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I'd engage us in reflection on the things for which we are most thankful.

I am most thankful for:

• My family ... and my close friends who have become family
• My health -- which enables me to do things I enjoy (including running my business)
• My circle of colleagues/trusted advisors who keep me inspired (even when things don't go as planned)
• My opportunities and challenges -- which help me to learn, grow and inspire others

... just to name a few things. How about you?

For what are YOU most thankful?

Spending time to reflect on and acknowledge the positive, helpful aspects and people of our lives can be a great way to reduce stress. It can remind us of our sources of support (both internal and external) for when we're dealing with difficult or challenging situations.

One of my colleagues shared a link to a great site to help you examine your attitude for gratitude: Women of Spirit Online. Please enjoy the site when you have a few moments to truly reflect on the questions that will appear in the introduction.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thanksgiving Greetings & Year-End Preview

Here's wishing you a wonderful start to the holiday season!

When you get back from the Thanksgiving holiday, we'll be ready to help you end the year strong!

Stay tuned for our year-end podcasts including:

• Financial Tips to Manage Your Year-End Bonus
• Practical Hints to Master the Holiday Party Circuit

Sign up for our newsletter (box on right side of this site) to get registration details for our January 2007 teleclasses:

• Not Satisfied with Your Bonus, Now What?
• Build on Your Strengths: Get in the 2007 Bonus Pool

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!