TIPS TO DE-STRESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Take time this year to keep it simple + practice Mindfulness!
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is bringing your attention to the present moment with an element of non judgment and acceptance. It is noticing when we get caught up in thoughts about the past or the future, and returning our attention to the present.
While mindfulness can be a formal meditation practice, there are also informal ways to practice this skill. This can give us perspective and decrease stress.
Here are four ways to make your holidays a little brighter!
1. Accept Imperfection
Can good be good enough? As we gear up for the holidays, we often set the bar impossibly high for ourselves and then feel upset when our celebrations don’t live up to expectations. Before you start preparing, acknowledge that things may not go exactly as planned. It’s okay if it’s not perfect. Imperfection is healthy and perfectly normal.
2. Don’t Lose Sight of What Really Counts
With long lines and nasty traffic, the holidays can get hectic. When overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, ask yourself:
Where does this fit in the grand scheme of things? If you’re frustrated by the long grocery line you’re standing in, remember that it is just a long grocery line — nothing more. Don’t let it spoil your afternoon.
Can I use this moment of frustration as an opportunity to reflect? While the cashier rings up the customers ahead of you, take inventory of the good things that have happened today or the things you are grateful for.
Even if this moment seems stressful, can I find a way to make it pleasant? Connect with someone else in line with a compliment or kind gesture, or notice what’s around you with fresh eyes and an open mind.
3. Respond with Kindness
You can’t change how others act during the stresses of the holiday season, but you can change how you respond to situations:
Whenever you encounter a difficult person, be kind … this person may be going through their own struggle that you know nothing about. Be compassionate and remind yourself it’s not personal.
Keep in mind that the holidays are especially difficult for those who are alone. See if you can extend an act of kindness to those you know are without family and friends during this time of year.
If things do get tense with someone, take a few deep breaths.. Those few breaths can shift things and give you new perspective.
4. Rethink Your Resolutions
Typical New Year’s resolutions set you up for failure. If you want to better yourself in the New Year, follow these tips for success:
Start small. Break your goal into tinier steps over the course of the year. If weight loss is your goal, it doesn’t have to be drastic. Try to eat more veggies during your first month and gradually cut back on sweets throughout the next. Cut back on alcohol and add in exercise slowly as necessary.
Be kind to yourself. If you didn’t achieve last year’s resolution or stray from the path this time around, let it go. With practice, we can notice this self-critic, let go of that negativity and pick our goals back up without the guilt or shame.