It’s That Time of Year
The holidays conjure up all kinds of fun. Some pleasant and some not so much. Piling into the car to head to Grandma’s house. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, flights, delays, cabin fever, flu, arguing about politics with your relatives over bourbon and eggnog. Are you stressed yet?
In a perfect world, togetherness would bring about strictly positive emotions. Like joy and connection, but in reality, it’s often colored with anxiety triggered by our emotions. As you prepare for the holidays, use my mindfulness ideas when you’re feeling more mad than merry.
Just Breathe
When you feel stressed during the holidays, the simple act of taking a breath works. It gives you the chance to pause before you react. So, rather than blowing up at your cousin over climate change, point him to the scientific research. He will read it while you pour yourself some peppermint tea.
Be Grateful
Take time to share gratitude over every moment and meal you share with your family and friends.
It will strengthen the pathways in your brain to recognize what’s going right rather than what’s going wrong. Offer thanks to the plants, animals, farmers, grocers, and everything else that makes your day possible, and watch yourself sail past any imperfections with simple grace and gratitude.
Try it, it’s not that hard!
Laugh a Little During the Holidays
When disturbances arise, we like to practice various types of animal laughter. Don’t resort to this type of forced laughter. Try not to take anything too seriously. Bring a lighthearted approach to stressful situations. If not, your family issues remind you that life is short and that laughter is the best medicine. Give it a go!
Take a Walk During The Holidays
Moving meditations force us to connect with the sensations in our bodies. It gets us out of our heads and into the present. Walk in slow motion, like walking through water. Pull one leg forward, and notice the tightness of your quadriceps. Be mindful of your knee joint as you straighten your leg. Note what you feel beneath your feet as you lean forward, readying yourself to move the opposite leg.
Take time to notice each small action of this task. It will put you squarely at the moment. Capture your attention so fully that you’ll cease worrying about Grandma’s bad mashed potatoes. Those are the best and most simple ideas to make your holidays eventful and stress-free!
Trust me!
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