This post is about Christmas Mindfulness.
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Imagine a holiday season where you finally feel in control, calm, and able to enjoy every moment.
Like you, I dream of finding peace amidst the ridiculous chaos that Christmas can bring. When there are pressures of work and family events, it can really start to overwhelm us.
Here are the top 5 proven strategies using mindfulness that I use each Christmas season.
Christmas Mindfulness
1. Mindful Breathing: : Simple Breathing Exercises
Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath. This simple practice can ground you and bring you a sense of calm.
- Deep Belly Breathing: Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Breathe in through your nose, amd make your belly rise. Then breathe out through your mouth, and let your belly fall when you do this. You will feel instant calm.
- Extended Exhalation Breathing: Breathe in through your nose for a count of 10 seconds. Then, exhale completely through your mouth slowly. Do this for a count of 10 seconds also. If you repeat this several times, you will feel the anxiety release from your body. You can do this in the car, at home, in the office or even at the grocery store!
- Alternative Nostril Breathing: To do this exercise, close your right nostril with your thumb and breathe in through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your ring finger and breathe out through your right nostril. Then, breathe in through your right nostril and out through your left. Repeat a few times
- Pursed Lip Breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose. Purse your lips as if you’re going to whistle, and exhale slowly through your pursed lips. This helps control your breath and can make you feel more relaxed.
Simple breathing meditation requires only that you find a comfortable position in a place with minimal distractions. You may sit, stand, or walk—whichever you prefer.
harvard medical school
2. Christmas Mindfulness: Enjoy Every Activity Fully
Whether you’re decorating, cooking, or spending time with loved ones, try to be fully present.
When I am being fully present I take the time to notice the sights, sounds, and what I can smell at that time. Doing this grounds me and keeps my thoughts from racing.
So often our thoughts can overwhelm us as there is so many decisons to make around the Christmas Holidays. When we take a moment to slow down and really think about our current environment, it can help us feel calm and in control.
3. Eating with Awareness
Savour each bite of your holiday meals. Eating mindfully can enhance your enjoyment and help prevent overeating.
Spending too much time planning, problem-solving, daydreaming, or thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining. It can also make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness exercises can help you direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and engage with the world around you.
mayo clinic
4. Gratitude Practice
Take time to reflect on what you’re grateful for:
- Write down 3 things each night during the Christmas season that you are thankful for.
- Throughout the day think about and appreciate the positive things in your life.
- Send a message to the people you’re grateful for in your life. It makes them feel good and strengthens your relationships.
5. Digital Detox
Limit your time on devices to reduce distractions and be more present with your loved ones.
Excessive media and technology use can have a negative impact on our mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing. If you feel your screen time has become problematic, a digital detox can help you bring things back into balance.
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Final Thoughts
Christmas Mindfulness is something that when you practice it, will have a long lasting effect. It will help you feel grounded and in control. No one wants to feel stressed out at Christmas. By practicing this gentle exercise, it will help you have a better and happier festive season. Give it a go today and see the difference!
This post was about Christmas mindfulness.