Does the holiday season fill you with joy, delight and ANXIETY? So much to do, so little time. Everyone feels it. You know what I mean – that sense of sparkly magic coupled with sheer panic. Rush to this, rush to that.

Instead of rushing through the season and skidding in January wiped out, why not consider some mindfulness techniques that ensure holiday merriment.

Keep Regular Routines

Do your best to keep to your regular routines and schedule. Your body and mind appreciate the consistency with sleep, food, water and exercise. When we get extra busy these seem to go to the wayside.

• What specifically can you do over the next 5 weeks to keep a normal routine?
• Pick one problem area and stick to it.

Stop the Stress Ahead of Time

Is there one particular thing or activity that causes you the most stress? I bet it’s something that you can’t necessarily stop doing or eliminate totally. So instead, try managing it differently. Make a plan to handle your biggest stressor before it happens.

• Is it an activity that you can get done ahead of time?
• If timing can’t be changed consider your mindset.  Can you put a more positive or appealing spin on it?
• The key is to take action (big or small) that changes the stress level associated with the activity.

Define Your Parameters First

You know your own limits. Set parameters for yourself at the beginning of the season. Consider what is critical for your wellbeing.

• What is most important for you? (enough sleep, a clean diet, meditation, prayer, time alone, nature)
• If what is most important starts to slip, that’s your signal. Go back to your parameters and make necessary adjustments.
• Be firm and clear with yourself on the parameters and stick to them – no wiggle room.

Practice Gratitude For Real

The concept is everywhere, especially during the holidays. But how can you practice gratitude mindfully?

• Here’s an easy one. Give gratitude for just one thing each morning as you are brushing your teeth. But don’t just think it, really FEEL it! Repeat it 5 times in your mind.
• Be grateful for all aspects of your life – not just the biggies like family and food. What are the little things that deserve some recognition?

Connect To The Spirit

The spirit of the holidays is all around us, but in the rush and stress we sometimes miss the genuine connection. Take the time to reflect on what you would like to experience during the holidays personally.

• Choose one word or phrase that represents what the spirit of the holidays means to you this year.
• Make it specific, not general. The more of you it has in it, the more meaning it will hold. Tie it to what is happening in your life this particular season.

What techniques do you use to stay mindful and stress-free during the holidays? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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