As the holidays approach, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and overwhelm. We tend to place very high expectations on holidays and vacations. It’s supposed to be a time for rest, relaxation, and connectedness. However, for many, it causes pain, drama, and resentment. Don’t fall victim to this common problem, instead, make the holidays enjoyable and stress-free.
Are you someone who experiences a holiday burn out rather than the refreshed, reinvigorated, and rebalanced state of being you were striving to achieve? (Shock Alert: We all do it sometimes!) It is time to reveal the secret to living a pleasant, joyful, and present life with just six easy and totally manageable tips. Stick with us, and you’ll be achieving the bliss of mindfulness that you long to obtain this holiday season- and beyond.
1. Have Meaningful Conversations
Fight the natural urge to speak about yourself, what is going on in your world, your likes, dislikes, political views, you get the idea. Many of us can be a bit narcissistic, at times. As we try harder to be more mindful, it is important to truly listen to what others are telling us. We can do this by avoiding our tendencies to interrupt, interject, and even overshadow our loved ones’ experiences. Listen to what they have to say instead of allowing your mind to wander with your next response. You will feel calmer and they will feel valued.
2. Dwell on the Positive
Reflect on all of the positive things in your life. Practice by closing your eyes and making a mental list of everything in your life that makes you happy. Think about the people, opportunities, and gifts for which you are grateful. If you are a person who needs to see it to believe it, challenge yourself to a game of #100happydays. Post a photo on Facebook, Instagram, or your favorite social media site to highlight one thing that makes you happy each day for 100 days. It makes for a hard argument when you are feeling blue and then look back at all the positive people, places, and things in your life.
3. Pay Full Attention to the Food
Holidays are filled with glorious food to delight our taste buds but sometimes we forget to fully enjoy them. It is very easy as we race from the homes of different relatives on opposite sides of the family to scarf down food without really experiencing it. Be mindful by paying close attention to your senses. Look at the food that has been prepared for you and take note of the way it looks, smells, feels, and tastes. You won’t be sorry!
4. Don’t Rehash Old Drama
It’s bad for your health to hold on to grudges. If you decided to forgive and move on, do it! Let go of your ill feelings and accept your family for who they are right now, not who they were back when. A costly mistake is blaming our friends and family for not showing up the way we want them to. There comes a point where you have to accept them for who they are. Namaste, people.
5. Be at Rest
Ain’t nothin’ wrong with getting a little shut eye. Power naps are proven to help recharge us physically, mentally, and emotionally. We all get grumpy when we are tired. The holidays bring a long list of preparations that can leave the best of us exhausted. We can tackle obstacles to our day with much more grace and dignity when we are rested. Additionally, you can practice mindfulness amidst the chaos. Take five minutes to sit down, close your eyes and listen to the mayhem around you. Listen for children giggling, dishes clanging in the kitchen, grandpa snoring as the ballgame is blaring on the television. These are the moments that you will want to remember.
6. Break out the Diffuser
Everyone benefits from a little aromatherapy. Find a scent that will create the atmosphere you want. Put it in a diffuser and let the essential oils do their job.
Not sure what essential oils would be best for your holiday? Contact us today and we will help you choose something that is right for you and your family.