The end of year holidays can be such a busy and exciting, or stressful time of year. Which is why it’s a great time for a reminder to be mindful, present, and care for your wellbeing. Here are some simple ways you can do that.
Slow Down to Better Enjoy Food. We all spend multiple times during each day eating, and a lot of holiday traditions revolve around sharing meals or foods. Try to bring your awareness to your eating experience each time. Notice the smells and sensory experience. Take your time and take a couple deep breaths before you start, eat slowly, savor the flavors and chew. This improves digestion and the experience.
Practice Presence Over Presents. Consumerism has become a big part of the holidays, this can come with financial strain and sometimes pointless spending. In this age of easily available and cheap products, go for quality over quantity. Consider what gifts would be most meaningful to your loved one, perhaps an experience together would be more meaningful, or something handmade. This year, think carefully about what you are buying. Consider supporting small and local business and buying a few higher quality items that may last a long time, versus a bunch of plastic or trendy things that will degenerate quickly and add to our landfills.
Schedule in Rest and Self-care Time. It can be easy to put off time for yourself or well-being, but in high stress and busy times it becomes extra important to keep your you stress levels uder control. So add to your calendar the things you know are going to support your well-being. Maybe it’s your regular workouts, or maybe it’s a massage or some alone time or dates with friends. A 5 minute a day meditation or breathwork practice can go a long way to keep you present and mindful over the holidays.
Practice Compassion and Kindness. Finally extend kindness to others and yourself. This time of year doesn’t mean joy for everyone, and that’s ok. But we can reflect on our shared humanity and try to be extra patient if we spend time with difficult family members, or kind and forgiving to ourselves if we don’t get everything done we wanted to. Keep self-compassion top of mind as you move through the holidays this year, you deserve it as much as anyone else.