It’s true. The holiday season is upon us. You might catch yourself wondering how it got here so fast and feeling anxious. You’re not alone.
No matter what has or hasn’t happened in the past, we can approach the holidays with a fresh, new perspective. Mindfulness practice helps us do this. Here are some things you can try to help you navigate the upcoming weeks with grace and ease:
Tune in to your personal values.
Not necessarily the ones you were taught but rather the ones that reflect who you are now. This means speaking your truth and lovingly saying no thanks at times.
See if you can lower your expectations both of yourself and others.
Try to slow down and do less. You might notice yourself feeling more fulfilled in the moments of the season.
Acknowledge your feelings as they are without judging them.
You may notice all kinds of emotions including joy and grief. Try being patient with yourself.
You may have to deal with difficult family relationships at gatherings.
Prepare yourself in advance with meditation or exercise. Try focusing your attention on your breathing and place two feet on the ground when someone is saying something you don’t like. You might limit the amount of time you spend together.
Open to new possibilities for how you can spend time with those important to you.
You might find yourself creating a new tradition, one that reflects where you are at this point in your life.
Take care of your body so you don’t get sick.
Get out in the fresh air and sunshine. Exercise even if it’s for 5-10 minutes at a time. Eat healthy foods. Keep the alcohol and sugar intake under control. Get into bed early.
Here are a couple of resources to help you consciously create a peaceful holiday season. You can try Mindful Me, my ‘learn to meditate’ program. And watch this video of me sharing some insights from a hiking trail.
Wishing you many mindful moments!
Cheryl
