Do the holidays make you feel frazzled and stressed out? Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive and present in the moment, but keep reading for my steps to keep you present for the holiday.
Whether it’s trying to prepare an epic feast, shop for the perfect gifts, or listen to your distant family members fumble through a conversation -- it can be a huge challenge to stay present and mindful during the holiday season so that you can genuinely enjoy them.
Throughout this guide, I will take you through each of these steps that help me stay present during the holidays. (My personal trick is to apply the same concepts during these times of joy and stress as you do during meditations or yoga.)
Stay in the moment
Have you ever noticed that you start drifting off from the present to worry about something else? A lot of the time, family can certainly evoke those stressful transports of your mind. The key to thriving, though, is to pull yourself back into the present. Focus on what is around you, starting with your breathing. Focus on every breath until you feel grounded, and you can even begin noticing everything you see to help calm you back down. Taking notice of your surroundings will help pull you back to the present.
Ditch the expectations
Well, not completely ditch. Expectations are entirely reasonable and we all have them. You've likely envisioned how you want the holidays to pan out, and if all goes well, hopefully, your wishes come true. The challenge is not to attach yourself to these expectations. In the event that things veer off track, having loose expectations can help you bounce back quickly. Roll with the moment, and you'll find that no matter what comes your way, you will enjoy your holidays with more ease.
Find something to appreciate
Family dynamics come in all shapes and sizes, and this is especially evident when everyone gathers in one room for a holiday feast. Does your uncle tell the same story over and over again? Unsolicited advice from Aunt Betty year after year? It can get tiring, but let it roll off your back this year. Instead, look for the moments of tranquility sandwiched in between the servings of food. Try focusing on one thing you like about each person, and build from there. You'll be shocked at the mindset shift!
Nurture yourself
We spend so much time trying to plan the perfect gathering, cook the best food, choose the best gifts, and we run ourselves ragged in the entire process. Don't forget that in all of this, be kind to yourself. Set aside time to read a book, soak in the tub, get a massage, do your meditations, or whatever else fills up your cup. When you nurture your needs, you are much better equipped to nurture those around you.
Count your blessings
Everyone has hard days. But even on those tough days, I'm confident you have something to be grateful for. There is a bounty of blessings from small to large, hiding in the details of our everyday lives. Take some time each morning to dwell on what's good in your life. Jot down a gratitude list consisting of 5-10 things you feel grateful for -- no matter how small. And when all else fails, take a little time to help those that aren't as fortunate. You'll be putting a smile on someone else's face and unlocking the way to a more mindful and present life during the holidays
I know there are many more tips for staying present during the holiday season but these are just a few of my favorites. Let me know in the comment section below what tips you have for staying present for the holiday season!
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