Embrace the Holiday Season with Mindfulness

When you find yourself getting overwhelmed by all the holiday tasks that need to be done, remind yourself that there are things in life you can control—and those that you can’t. For example, you can’t control what other people do or say or how they behave during the holidays. That doesn’t mean you should ignore any negative behavior; just remember that it is not within your power to change it. However, you do have control over how much time and energy you devote to holiday tasks such as shopping and decorating. So focus on controlling those things that are within your power while letting go of those things outside of your influence.

The holiday season is a great time to reflect on the positive aspects of life and express gratitude for them. It is so easy for us to get caught up in our daily lives without taking the time to appreciate all we have in our lives—our health, relationships, career successes—the list goes on! Practicing gratitude will help put things into perspective when times get tough and serve as a reminder of how blessed we truly are.

It may seem impossible with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays but it is crucial to make some time just for yourself during this period. Whether it means taking a few minutes each day for meditation or simply setting aside an hour on Saturday afternoons for some “me-time” indulgence (think bubble baths!), taking even small amounts of alone-time will help keep stress levels low during this festive yet hectic season.

The holiday season should be enjoyed not endured! Taking mindful approaches such as focusing on what you can control, practicing gratitude every day and taking regular breaks from all the madness will ensure maximum enjoyment from this special period in our lives! So make sure that when December 25th rolls around next year that you look back at this magical season with fondness instead of dread! Happy Holidays!