The holiday season is a time that brings an array of emotions.
We can feel the excitement, anticipation, cheer, and joy that accompany the season. For most, the holidays also come with increased stress and pressure in having to prepare for events, gift giving, and various work and family obligations.
Things like grief, trauma, conflict, and life transitions can also make it difficult to experience enjoyment of the holidays. The great news is that mindfulness is a tool that can help prevent stress from stealing our holiday joy.
Mindfulness involves full awareness and experience of the present moment.
The demands of the holiday season can pose a challenge to our ability to be mindful. Here are you three ways to practice mindfulness this holiday season, adapted from the DBT Skills Manual by Marsha M. Linehan, to help provide you with an increased sense of calm and connection:
1. Be one-mindful (do one thing at a time) – We can find ourselves multi-tasking and being distracted by the “hustle and bustle” around us during the holidays. Multi-tasking is not effective and contributes to increased stress, anxiety, and confusion.
Being one-mindful means doing one thing at a time and being completely present to what you are doing. Whether it is wrapping gifts, baking cookies, or spending time with your family, throw
your full focus into what you are doing.
2. Focus on What Works – What are your goals for the holiday season? Enjoy time with your family? To simply get through due to family conflict or a recent loss? To not become too anxious or upset at holiday gatherings? In order to maximize enjoyment of the holiday season, focus on doing what works vs. doing too much or avoiding.
In your holiday preparations and interactions ask yourself “is this effective?” If not focus on making necessary changes to be effective whether it be setting boundaries, using support, delegating the work load, or preparing ahead for possible conflict.
3. Let go of judgment – Often times we have preconceived notions about what our holidays “should” be like. When they don’t meet our expectations the disappointment and guilt can be overwhelming. If something doesn’t go your way this holiday season, I encourage you to practice acceptance (“it is what it is”).
This will help you be in the moment and experience both the good and the bad as it comes instead of fixating on how we want the holidays to be. We unlock joy and enjoyment of the moment when we minimize judgment and expectations.
Holiday stress becoming too much? Feel free to give us a call at 980-209- 3222 for a telephone consultation or check out our online scheduler to book an appointment. We wish you a joyous and mindful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
