December always arrives with sparkle ... but it’s also a very busy and rushed time. Between commitments, deadlines, and expectations, many people end the year feeling more tired. However, this time can become an invitation to slow down and get back to basics.
In this article, we’ll look at simple practices for managing stress and ending the year with more peace.
Recognize situations that wear you down
Before the year ends, you can take a few minutes to reflect on the situations that keep you on high alert and tire you out.
Some practical signs you may notice are irritability, distraction, feeling like you're running without moving forward, or praying mechanically. Do this little exercise: pause for one minute to identify where you feel tired (body, mind, heart). Also, ask yourself what type of exhaustion seems most common for you today: physical, mental, or emotional?
Choose one to prioritize, and keep that in mind as you look at some ways you can end the year with less stress and start the new one on the right foot.
1Reduce noise and inner turmoil
First, you can start by identifying what things are stressing you but which you can realistically delegate or even just take more calmly. It’s also necessary to take a break from everything so that you can spend these last days of the year with your loved ones.
As it is a very busy season, we can also become overwhelmed by many things: parties, events, parish activities, work, etc. It’s a good time to learn to say “no” without guilt and with freedom if you feel that something is overwhelming you.
2Create a space of silence
Many of us have gotten used to noise in every sense, from the noise of the city to the noise of the television, music, etc. Not to mention mental noise! This is a bad habit. Although it's difficult, we have to turn off those external noises so that we can also turn off our mental noise and give our lives a break. Dedicate at least a daily “mini-silence” of 2 to 3 minutes and calm your mind, soul, and body.
3Micro-habits of rest and prayer
This will help you add calm to your day and, in turn, entrust yourself to God. You can take advantage of this time to repeat a short prayer that helps you focus and keep your mind from wandering. You can repeat, “Jesus, in you I rest,” “Lord, give me your peace,” “Jesus, I trust in you.” You can repeat these short prayers while walking and breathing deeply.
4Set goals for the new year, learning from the year that's ending
Start by asking yourself, “What lessons do I want to take with me into the next year?” Then you can write them down in a spiritual journal so that you can keep them in mind during the coming year, and strive to achieve it. You can also write down strategies you can follow to achieve your goals.
If you want to increase your faith, you can start by looking for a spiritual guide to help you maintain your spirituality. Continue in this way with each goal.
5Thank God for the past year
Make time to visit the Blessed Sacrament and thank God for everything you consider important, from your achievements to the challenging moments that taught you lessons.
You can begin your prayer like this: “Thank you, Lord, for this year, for what you’ve taught me, and for the hope you’ve planted in me.”
If it helps, you can write your prayer down and record it in your spiritual journal, writing a letter to God.
Don’t let these days be routine! Take advantage of this opportunity to close the year with gestures of gratitude and hope. Let's open our hearts to a new beginning, trusting that each day is an opportunity to grow in well-being and faith.
