While the season is full of festive cheer and joyful celebrations, it can also bring a whirlwind of stress and busyness. Amid the hustle and bustle, incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine can be a powerful way to find balance, cultivate gratitude, and savor the true spirit of the holidays.
Whether you are embracing the holidays or looking for support parenting a neurodivergent child, BLOOM is the perfect compliment to 1:1 therapy. Easily accessed from the comfort of your home, our online courses cover a wide variety of topics including Anxiety, Emotional Control and Regulation, Fear, Anxiety, Stress, and Phobia, and more.
What is Mindfulness?
Especially during the busy holiday season, with gatherings, travel, and an endless to-do list, it can be helpful to tap into the idea of mindfulness as you look to inspire calm in your life. Mindfulness is a mental state characterized by being fully present and engaged in the current moment without judgment or distraction.
In achieving mindfulness, you intentionally direct your attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Not only will you be more aware of the present moment, but you will also accept it without resistance.
7 Mindfulness Practices for the Holidays
The holiday season brings equal amounts of stress and anxiety as it does joy and cheer for many people. Focusing on these novel and intentional mindfulness practices can help you remain calm and present during the holidays.
1. Remind yourself you have options. Although you may not entirely like the options, it helps to be aware that you have the power to choose your options. For example, I have an option about whether I want to attend the party. There may be consequences for one of the options, but it is still an option you can choose. Once at the party, I can decide how long I stay without taking a break. I have options about which conversations I want to participate in and which ones I will not get pulled into. I have options about the boundaries I want to keep or a lack thereof.
2. Focus on what you are feeling–not what everyone else thinks. Being mindful also means that instead of focusing on what everybody else is thinking and feeling, I feel into myself, into what I am feeling physically and emotionally, and where I am feeling it. This can help bring you back to the present state.
3. Hold something in your hand. Holding something in your hand can help ease the tension that you may feel from being in places that are not comfortable for you. You may feel tense enough to want to lash out and beat someone else up verbally, or you may react by beating yourself up internally. Holding something like a piece of jewelry, car keys, your pocketbook, or a drink can help inhibit this reaction.
4. Ground yourself through breath. Start by taking a moment to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, feel the air fill your lungs, and exhale slowly, releasing tension. Repeat this simple practice regularly to center yourself amidst the chaos, allowing you to approach each task calm and composed.
5. Mindful gratitude. As you navigate holiday preparations, pause to reflect on the aspects of your life that bring you gratitude. Whether it's the warmth of family, the support of friends, or the simple pleasures of the season, acknowledging these moments fosters a positive mindset. It helps shift your focus from stress to appreciation.
6. Mindful giving. Rather than succumbing to the pressure of extravagant gifts, focus on thoughtful and meaningful presents. Consider the recipient's preferences, and choose gifts that reflect genuine care and consideration. Mindful gift-giving not only reduces stress but also enhances the joy of giving.
7. Presence over presents. In the midst of holiday gatherings, prioritize being present with loved ones. Put away the distractions, engage in meaningful conversations, and savor shared moments. Embracing the essence of togetherness is at the heart of a truly mindful holiday experience.
Embracing the Holiday Season With Mindfulness
Incorporating these mindfulness practices into your holiday routine allows you to navigate the season with greater calm and intention. Embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories, connect with loved ones, and truly appreciate the magic of the holidays.
Mindfulness has been associated with various physical and mental health benefits, including stress reduction, improved focus, and enhanced overall well-being.
The beauty of BLOOM and our online support is that it enhances your existing therapy plan. It is ideally used in combination with 1-on-1 therapies, allowing you the opportunity to integrate therapy at home with the whole family involved. Discover our course, Anxiety, as you embrace a busy holiday season ahead.
