By Shannon Day

Shopping, wrapping, cleaning, baking

Parties, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres making

Buy the tree and wash the mutt.

Thaw the turkey and stuff it up

Host the in-laws, travel far

Tolerate journeys,

With kids in the car

Fluffy slippers. High heeled shoes

Mistletoe and Christmas blues

Soon the holidays will come

And you’ll be busy,

‘Cause you’re the mom

But stress not, my friend

Take heed and see

The “Discontented Buddha” can help you be

That chilled out mom who doesn’t long to flee

Yes, soon you’ll be immersed in the chaos of the holiday season. But, before you start crying or mapping out your getaway plan, try this simple yoga-like technique. And enjoy the holiday season with your sanity in check.

Namaste, friends.

The Discontented Buddha (10 steps to deeper, more meaningful practice)

1. Stop and seize the moment. The one that occurs right before you lose your temper, your cool or your mind. (If you’ve missed it this time, don’t worry; there’s always next time).

2. Remove yourself from the situation and promptly find a semi-quiet corner, behind a curtain or large plant, perhaps, in a bathroom, a closet or even the garage.

3. Imagine the smell of eucalyptus or lavender wafting through the air as you inhale and exhale deeply.

4. Lift both arms above your head, palms facing behind you.

5. Place each hand into a fist, releasing only the middle finger on each (note the calm starting to take hold).

6. Now take a deep, cleansing breath and exhale while simultaneously lowering your two hands, middle fingers extended.

7. Feel the instant sense of peace as it blankets over you.

8. Repeat until you are no longer in meltdown mode.

9. Return to your family, a new woman — until next time…

10. Then start back at 1.

This post was originally published on Martinis and Motherhood.

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About the Author

Former bartender-turned-teacher Shannon Day can be found cocktail-shaking and story-making over at her site, Martinis & Motherhood. There, she ponders the meaning of life, while poking fun at her handsome British hubby. Shannon is co-author and co-editor of Martinis & Motherhood: Tales of Wonder, Woe & WTF?! She is a regular contributor to BLUNTmoms, and her writing can be found in various online publications including Mamapedia, The Huffington Post, Mamalode, Scary Mommy, and Sweatpants & Coffee. Connect with Shannon on Facebook.