How to Stay Mindful This Holiday Season
The holiday season is both thrilling and hectic for many of us. We invest weeks in preparations, crafting plans that often seem to vanish in an instant.
As we rush through this busy time, it becomes crucial to practice mindfulness and stay present.
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS
In this post, I discussed my mixed feelings about New Year’s Eve, primarily revolving around expectations. We often build ourselves up for a perfect celebration only to feel let down. Whether it’s expecting to connect with friends and family or relying on everything to unfold flawlessly, we must accept that not all goes as planned.
The magic lies in those unpredictable moments. For instance, during this year’s Thanksgiving, I didn’t dwell on the broken sink or the messy kitchen. Instead, I fondly recall my sister and I laughing as we attempted to fix it. Mishaps are bound to happen, and the key is to remain centered through them.
BREATHE
To maintain that centeredness, remember to breathe. It’s essential to show kindness not only to others but also to yourself. While in an ideal world everyone would get along, we know that family dynamics can be complex. Sometimes a well-intentioned relative can say something that ignites frustration. In those moments, deep breaths become invaluable.
If you feel the urge to react to an inappropriate comment, pause. Breathe and consider, “Do I really want to engage in this discussion right now?” Focusing on your breath can ground you in the present, serving as a powerful step towards mindfulness practice.
DISCONNECT + COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
The holidays can become overwhelming, especially if you are traveling or juggling various obligations. Yet, it’s vital to slow down when necessary. Even if it’s just for an hour, disconnect from your phone. If you’re invited to events you don’t wish to attend, don’t hesitate to say “no.” There’s value in nurturing yourself, whether that means watching Hallmark movies while enjoying hot chocolate.
Moreover, this season is a perfect opportunity to reflect on and appreciate all the positive things that have occurred over the past year. If this year has been challenging, find gratitude even in those experiences.
I’ll admit that the first few weeks of 2016 were among the most difficult and frightening during my life. If you’ve ever had a moment of disbelief, you can relate. Yet, surprisingly, I find reasons to be thankful for those tough times. Adversity can reveal the strength in relationships, showing how vital supportive people are in our lives.
DON’T OVERCOMPLICATE
Avoid making things more complicated than they need to be. If necessary, don’t hesitate to ask for support. The shopping, cooking, planning, and cleaning are tasks I often prefer to tackle alone. If you’re like me—a bit of a control enthusiast—you might find this behavior draining. It can leave you feeling exhausted, preventing you from truly enjoying the festivities because you’re preoccupied with your to-do list.
Remember, the essence of staying mindful this holiday season is to slow down and be present. We have the power to create the season’s magic, making it a true joy to embrace.
