’Tis the season of joy and merriment. But for many folks, the holidays can be more of a chore. You rush through, caught up in the cascade of never-ending commitments. Then you blink, and you’re on the other side of the new year.
Before you lose sight of what counts, connect to the gift that really matters. It’s a gift you can give yourself – of being present in the moment.
Holiday Stress Tips to Stay Present
Even folks who get excited by the bustle of the season can feel burnout. This is less likely to happen when you slow down and savor. Every experience has its own magic. View this time of year as less about reaching the destination and more about enjoying the journey.
1. Do a full-body mindfulness check-in
Sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable place free from distraction. Use a set amount of time to check in with your body and emotions. There are meditation apps and videos online that can guide you through a mindfulness body scan, or you can pace yourself.
Note if you feel stressed, excited, nervous or tired. Become aware of your breathing. Is it quick and shallow or slow and full? Scan your body slowly from top to bottom, stopping to notice sensations in parts of your body, like your stomach, jaw, shoulders and head.
Sensations in your body like tightness, pain and discomfort can be signs of stress. Negative emotions can be scary and uncomfortable to acknowledge, but allowing yourself to feel and accept them fully is freeing. As you acknowledge your physical and emotional discomforts, breathe in a loving, healing energy.
These sessions help you stay in tune with your body. Once you know what your body needs, take time to give it to yourself. Adding in these moments of meditation will leave you feeling healthier and ready to engage the day.
2. Deepen connection with yourself & loved ones
Create some space for just being. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to miss out on quality time with yourself and others close to you. Can you gift yourself time to just be?
Recharge with a technology-free bath, a self-massage, a healthy meal, a workout or a nap. The same goes for time with others. Look into the eyes of a loved one while they speak. Touch their hand and cheek. Facilitate moments of connection between you and the essential folks in your life.
3. Stay in the moment for grounded productivity
If you’re racing ahead mentally preparing for the variety of tasks you need to accomplish throughout the month, you’ll easily feel overwhelmed. Take a step back and breathe.
Starting now, set an intention for each task. Whether you’re making a holiday meal or connecting with family, stay with that mantra while you’re doing it. If your mind wanders to future projects, repeat the intention in your head and bring your body and mind back to the present task at hand. With this tip you’ll stay calm and focused.
4. Listen to make deeper connections
The holidays usually involve quality time with extended family and friends. Make the most of this time by staying present and using a few active listening tools. It’s easy to shut down or zip through conversations, especially if you don’t always see eye to eye.
If you tend to focus on the outcome of your conversations, slow down and use all of your senses. Observe their body language with your eyes. Listen to the tones in their voice as they express different emotions. Listen to their words and the meaning behind them. Try not to judge, instead reflect back and ask questions with the curiosity of a loving child.
Listening in this way can help you discover the people you’re with on a new level. Not only will they be delighted by how much you care, but they will often reciprocate and mirror back to you this same kind of attention.
Don’t rush. Take your time and let each interaction unfold before you.
5. Accept yourself and others as they are
Let this holiday be an invitation to accept everyone as they are. Judgments and frayed nerves run rampant this time of year. Instead of reacting to heightened emotions with more heightened emotions, react with love.
Acknowledging “what is” is part of mindfulness practice. It doesn’t mean giving up or saying you don’t want things to be better, but it releases control and brings you peace where you are.
6. Let gratitude guide your schedule
Gratitude lends itself to feelings of satisfaction and ease. What are you grateful for right now? Ask yourself this regularly. Make a list and check it twice. In the morning and right before bed are great times for a gratitude review. Be reminded of what’s essential, then surround yourself with the things that matter. Let that cultivate your plans and guide your schedule.
7. Connect to your senses for a heightened holiday
When you think of the holidays, what are the first things that come to mind? Chances are, eating tasty holiday treats, winter treks through the outdoors and singing songs with friends are high on the list. Things that trigger our senses are memorable.
Activate your senses by creating experiences that give them a workout. Taste hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies, smell the outdoorsy scent of pine and spicy smell of mulled cider, listen to holiday records and laughter, watch holiday classics and hold your friends. While you do it, stay present and notice how heightened the world around you has become.
When you practice presence. The world truly becomes a winter wonderland. Embrace it.
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