Between a busy work schedule, family events, meal planning, travel, and getting into the festive spirit – the holidays can be a very enjoyable time – but for many it can also be a time of stress.
As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup, which is why it’s even more essential during a busy holiday season to ensure that you are taking care of yourself.
These mindfulness tips can keep you cool, calm and collected throughout the holiday season and beyond!
Change of scenery:
Chances are you’ve been keeping busy inside – grocery store runs, shopping malls, errands, responsibilities at home, holiday gatherings, but when was the last time you intentionally went outside for a break? Taking a walk in nature (with appropriate clothes for the weather!) is a great option to help refresh your mindset. A change of scenery through an intentional break is a good chance to recharge. So why not head outside for a walk around the block, a longer hike on a trail, or a brisk walk to a local coffee shop.
Breathing and focus:
A simple, quick and accessible mindfulness option is focusing on breathing techniques to help alleviate stress. Box breathing consists of inhaling through your nose for four seconds, holding by your breath for four seconds, and then exhaling for four seconds. Repeat a few times to help calm and centre yourself.
Another option is to slowly take a deep inhale through your nose (feel your stomach expand), followed by slowly exhaling. Repeat a few times to feel the calming benefits.
Mind racing? Feeling overwhelmed? In addition to breathing techniques, being able to focus on the present moment is helpful, too. One good option is to think about your senses – sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste. Often referred to as the “5-4-3-2-1 technique”, this is a great option for mindfulness. Start by looking around wherever you are and connect at least one (or more!) of your senses. For sight – look around and name five things you can see. Then, focus on four things can touch or feel, continue for all of the five senses, in descending order.
Time for rest:
Allowing for adequate sleep and rest will also help you feel ready to take on the day. Aiming for 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep is one of the best things you can do, but it’s also important to take advantage of any opportunities to rest and recharge – when there’s a chance put your feet up on the couch and read or watch your favourite holiday film.
Centre yourself:
Make time to centre yourself with guided meditation. There are lots of helpful apps and videos to choose from, including popular ones like “calm” and “headspace”. In addition, other great options are listening to calming sleep stories before bed or checking out a local yoga studio (either solo or grab a couple of friends to join you!).
Setting boundaries:
During this hectic time of year, it’s not unusual to feel as though you are being pulled in all directions simultaneously. A good way to keep a cool head is to set clear personal boundaries and limits. This could include how you spend your time by choosing which commitments you’re agreeing to, as well as limiting the length of time you spend with certain people or tasks. Making time to acknowledge and prioritize your own needs will help keep you on track and not be overwhelmed.
Spending time with positive influences and holiday traditions:
Whether it’s family, friends, coworkers or even pets – choosing to spend time with those who are a positive impact on your mental health and uplift you, can be an essential element in staying calm and easing your stress. The choices are endless – for example, have a friend over for a glass of wine or a cup of tea, go out to dinner with a family member, or snuggle on the couch with a four-legged friend. During the busy holidays carving out time for your favourite activities or traditions such as playing board games, baking, car rides, or movie watching can be a great way to help alleviate stress.
Stephanie Hawkins I Contributing Writer
