It’s That Time of Year
The holidays conjure up all kinds of associations. 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 fevers, arguing about politics over eggnog. Are you stressed yet? In a perfect world, this time of twinkles and togetherness would bring about strictly positive emotions. Like joy and connection, but in reality, it’s often colored with anxiety triggered by a mash-up of mixed emotions. In the coming months, use these mindfulness exercises when you’re feeling more mad than merry.
Just Breathe
When you feel yourself getting triggered 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 for denying climate change, kindly point him toward scientific research. He will read it while you pour yourself some peppermint tea.
Be Grateful
Take time to sprinkle gratitude over every moment and meal you share with family and friends. It will strengthen the pathways in your brain that recognize what’s going right rather than what’s going wrong. Offer thanks to the plants, animals, farmers, and grocers. And everything else that’s making your day possible, and watch yourself sail past perceived imperfections with grace and gratitude.
Laugh a Little During the Holidays
When disturbances arise, we like to practice various types of what we call 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, family upsets remind you that life is short and that laughter really is the best medicine.
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. Move-in slow motion, like walking through water. Pull one leg forward, and notice the contraction 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 bring the opposite leg into motion. Take time to notice each small action of this complex task. It will anchor you squarely at the moment. Capture your attention so fully that you’ll cease ruminating about Grandma’s meltdown over mashed potatoes. Those are the best and most simple ideas to make your holiday season eventful and stress-free!
PAX TANDON | Nov 22, 2019 | Yoga Journal