Mindfulness Strategies to Ease Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be challenging. Our “to do” lists are huge, so we race through each day, trying to get things done, and often end up feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or even lonely. This year add some sanity pauses to your schedule to calm the chaos and help you embrace the potential for joy that the season presents.
You may have heard about the scientific benefits of mindfulness but just don't see how you could fit it in? Especially during the holidays? No matter what we are doing—there is always an opportunity for mindfulness!
1. During your Commute/Travel
Drive mindfully. So often, we regard our commute or car travel as a stressful annoyance. But hold on, here's a chance for you to sit back, relax and focus on your breathing. Usually our mind is always wandering, especially when we're in an uncomfortable situation. Bring your mind back into the present moment and see if you can become aware of everything around you. Have screaming children in the backseat? Practice fully accepting the moment as it is. Chances are they will calm down as you do...The result? You'll arrive calmer and perhaps feel rested and even restored.
2. During Meals
Eat mindfully. We often eat while watching TV, between meetings or in front of our computer. During the holidays, we are so busy consuming, we sometimes fail to fully pay attention to the flavors that grace our mouths. Try eating a snack with full attention. Notice how it looks and smells, feel the burst of flavors as you place it in your mouth, notice the taste of each bite, the texture. You will open your eyes renewed, calmer and more focused.
3. During Conversation
Listen mindfully. Usually we are bursting with the impulse to talk about ourselves, to interrupt, or, oftentimes our mind is wandering and we are not really listening. See if, even for 5 minutes, you can fully dedicate your attention and awareness to the people who are speaking to you. Not only will you feel more peaceful and calm, but you will notice that you can understand them better and they will in turn feel deeply grateful and valued as they notice your full attention on them.
4. During Down Time
Rest Mindfully. Ever get home and crash on the sofa too tired to move? Will this holiday involve a lot of sitting around with family? Then it's a great time to close your eyes and recharge the batteries. Just like you plug in your phone to juice it up, you can get a quick pick me up by sitting with your eyes closed and noticing the inflow and outflow of your breath. Just five minutes can do wonders.
5. During Chores
Yes, that's right, do chores mindfully. Hate doing the dishes, laundry or changing diapers, especially when there are loads of dishes after a holiday party? Research shows that we enjoy something more if we are 100 percent present with it. Next time you do an annoying chore, see if you can do so with 100 percent of your attention instead of trying to get it over with or daydreaming about something you’d rather do.
6. Anytime
Practice gratitude. Research reveals that gratitude is linked to a host of psychological and health benefits. If we are truly mindful we will naturally feel grateful because of an expanded awareness of all of the gifts we have in our lives. Whether you're at work or at home, take 5 minutes to close your eyes and think of all the things you feel grateful for. Research shows it will not only improve your health and well-being, chances are it will also make you more resilient and happy.