From department stores placing holiday decorations on display by September to companies reminding you to order that special gift by November, it is no wonder the holiday season creates a wealth of stress. To ensure an experience of gusto during this time of year, below are a few tips on how to stay zen from during the holidays and beyond!
Establish Your Purpose:
One of my go-to approaches before any vacation or holiday is to set my purpose for the time shared with family and friends. Maybe it is cooking with an in-law, talking about books or history with a family member, playing games with the little tots or participating in a 5K with a cousin. Establishing your purpose is a mindful way to tailor yourself in the upcoming moments during the holiday rush.
Acknowledge Your Feelings:
With that holiday rush, it is only natural that one starts to feel stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and lethargic. When you are in this state-of-mind, remove yourself from the situation (even if that means hiding in the upstairs bathroom for an hour) and focus on deep breathing with essential oils, read an affirmation to re-center, or listen to calming music. Be sure to acknowledge your feelings, but allow them to leave and drift so that you can move forward with positive and joyful energy.
Ensure a Miracle Mind:
During the holiday season, I strongly advocate one bringing their journal, tarot cards, crystals, oils, meditation music and a yoga mat wherever one goes. These are some of the very ingredients to ensure a sacred space and to find that miracle mind when placed in challenging or overwhelming situations.
Relish “me” Time:
This aspect can go hand-in-hand with remaining miracle minded. With the holiday frenzy, be sure to make the time and space for just you. Either it is a moment for yoga and meditation, a walk or run at a nearby park, or volunteering for a couple hours at a local shelter. If you have your cell phone handy, read a calming affirmation or listen to a short, but inspiring meditation. Tiny moments of “me” time can add up to larger moments of zen time.
Remain Thoughtful:
The holidays are stressful for everyone, not just you. Remain mindful of not only your behavior, thoughts, words, and actions, but acknowledge the feelings and words of other people. Be an ear to someone in need or a shoulder for one to lean on. Show compassion towards others as that energy will radiate throughout the environment.
Have an Attitude of Gratitude:
At the beginning and end of the day, acknowledge and be grateful for having the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Life is precious, so be sure to not take time or people for granted. Many folks out there have no family or place to go for the holidays, so be grateful that you do by instilling actions and words of gratitude. If you know of someone who may be alone, invite them over and help spread the holiday kindness to others which thus helps perpetuate the holiday zen.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: Splendor in the South