What Mindfulness Practice Helps You Remain Calm and Present During the Busy Holiday?
inspired by
Tuesday, December 05, 2023
“Happy Holidays!” is what we wish for all this holiday season. Yet, the joy of the holiday season can quickly be eclipsed by the stress of shopping for presents, cleaning the house, and preparing food for guests. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your holiday to-do list, keep reading to discover new mindfulness techniques that can create calm amidst this holiday chaos.
Taking a Very Slow, Peaceful Walk
It's simple and yet it takes practice. Taking a very slow, peaceful walk while paying careful attention to every sensation, everything you see, feel, hear and smell.
Start by coordinating your steps with breathing, breathing slowly, in for three seconds, breathing out for three seconds. Take a step as you inhale, and a step as you exhale. At the beginning of the walk, pay as much attention as you can to your breathing. Then gradually focus on the other sensations you're feeling, the feel of the surface under your feet, the sensation of walking so slowly, how your muscles are moving, the feel of your clothing, everything.
Then after you've done that for a while, gradually turn your attention to your surroundings, noting the thousands of little details around you. Even in the smallest and most familiar areas you might be amazed how much you've never noticed.
Do this until you become bored, which can happen quickly at first. But if you keep working at it, trying to be in the moment as much as possible, you'll see the boredom hold off longer, decreasing then disappearing altogether.
The 5-Minute Gratitude Breath
As the holiday season ramps up, it's easy to get swept away in the hustle and bustle. Amidst the shopping, decorating, and socializing, we often forget to pause and appreciate the blessings in our lives. This simple 5-minute gratitude breath practice helps me ground myself and cultivate a sense of serenity amidst the holiday chaos.
The 5-Minute Gratitude Breath:
● Find a Quiet Space: Seek a quiet and undisturbed space where you can sit comfortably with your eyes closed.
● Focus on Your Breath: Bring your attention to your breath, noticing the natural rise and fall of your chest and abdomen.
● Practice Gratitude: With each inhale, silently express gratitude for something positive in your life. It could be a person, a place, an experience, or even something as simple as the warmth of the sun on your skin.
● Acknowledge and Release: As you exhale, acknowledge any thoughts or emotions that arise, and gently let them go without judgment.
● Continue for Five Minutes: Continue this cycle of gratitude and release for five minutes, allowing yourself to sink into a state of peace and appreciation.
This practice helps me cultivate a sense of calm and gratitude, reminding me of the true essence of the holiday season – cherishing loved ones, creating meaningful memories, and appreciating the simple joys of life.
Larry Snider
Grounding Myself in the Present Moment
One of the most helpful mindfulness techniques I've used to make the holidays less stressful is grounding myself in the present moment. The holidays force us to do a lot of forward-thinking, such as while planning holiday parties or figuring out when to go shopping for gifts, and all of that focus on the future can increase anxiety. Taking time to just focus on today can help you keep things in perspective and make your ever-growing holiday to-do list feel a lot more doable.
Sean Oblizalo
Pranayama Breathwork in the Morning and Afternoons
I find pranayama breathwork in the morning and afternoons can really help me balance my energy throughout the day, especially when you have visitors and things are out of order. The slow, intentional breathwork involved in pranayama helps reduce any anxiety and tension I encounter. I can also focus on coming back to my breath throughout the day, which allows me to shift my attention back to the present moment and not habitually react.
Like anything, consistent practice, even if for a few minutes each day, can contribute to better stress management and overall well-being during the holidays.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors' statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.
Browse by Author:
Bibliomania:
Have you watched the mini-movie that started the "Secrets Of Success" movement yet? If not, take 17 minutes today to see what all of the buzz is about:
Secrets of Success © 2024 | All Rights Reserved | SecretsOfSuccess.com
Terms | Income Disclaimer | Affiliates | Member Login
comments...