Holiday Mindfulness: How to Stay Present During the Festive Season

With Thanksgiving under our belts, there can be a lot of mixed emotions going into the next batch of holidays. Maybe Thanksgiving went smoothly and there’s hope for what’s next or maybe it didn’t go so well and the anxiety is growing in anticipation of more holidays. Wherever you are, there is space to find some calm now as well as during the holidays. Taking time to look after our minds and bodies (especially during the holidays) is far from selfish. When we are functioning at a higher level ourselves, we can show up better for those around us.

Three tools to help you stay calm during the holidays:

✨ Mindful breathing - Take 5 minutes before big events to set an intention or to focus on your breathing. These two things can help calm the nervous system before diving into big social gatherings with people you may or may not be looking forward to seeing.

✨ Mindful eating - This time of year is full of deliciously rich foods. It’s helpful to find balance in the foods we are eating and not deprive ourselves of the goodness. Focusing on taste, texture, and smell helps us to slow down and be more present while eating. Starving ourselves before big meals is not the answer. Fuel your body in a way that feels good and know that it’s okay to indulge in the deliciousness. Having a protein-rich snack before going into a larger meal or big event helps curb hunger so you don’t show up to the party starving and/or hangry. Filling your plate with proteins first then going back and adding in veggies and salad and all the fun stuff can also help you not over indulge.

✨ Create boundaries around events. Saying no is powerful. Ask yourself if this event is an obligation or something you truly want to do.

Four tools to help with managing movement when you’re in the throws of the holidays:

✨ Mindful movement - Find movement that feels good for you. Whether it’s daily walks, yoga with loved ones (or alone), fitness classes in person/online, or even just taking a few minutes to yourself to stretch, everything will help reduce stress and anxiety.

✨ Schedule your workouts in advance - Treat them like an appointment so you are less likely to cancel or put it off.

✨ Incorporate mini workouts - Even a 10-15 minute at-home workout makes a difference.

✨ Take a 10-15 minute walk after a heavier meal - the fresh air will feel good and your tummy will thank you.

✨Create realistic and manageable goals that work with your schedule. If you can’t fit in your full hour-long workout, cut it in half. Movement is movement no matter how long you do it for.

As the holidays approach, find moments of quiet, time to play, make room for different emotions, and practice letting go of expectations. The holidays come and go in the blink of an eye and when we get caught up in the overwhelm, we miss it. Reach out to your community if you need more support during this time. It’s freeing to find people who feel similar to you always, but especially during the holidays.

Have a safe and healthy holiday. We are so grateful for you.

xoxo,

Freya Team 💖