'Tis the Season to be...Mindful? Finding Your Calm Amidst the Holiday Chaos
The holidays are upon us! It's that time of year filled with twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and...overwhelming stress? Yep, for many of us, the holidays can be a whirlwind of activity, leaving us feeling anything but peaceful. Between frantic shopping trips, endless to-do lists, and the pressure to create the "perfect" holiday experience, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But fear not, there's a way to navigate this season with more joy and less frazzle: mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, without judgment. It's about savoring the taste of that gingerbread cookie instead of worrying about how many calories it has, or truly listening to your loved one's stories instead of mentally planning your next grocery run. This holiday season, try incorporating small mindful moments into your day. Take a few deep breaths before diving into a gift-wrapping marathon. Engage all your senses while decorating the tree – notice the scent of pine needles, the texture of ornaments, the sparkle of lights. And when you're gathered with loved ones, put down your phone and truly connect with the people around you.
To further enhance your mindfulness practice, consider incorporating these two helpful DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills:
"Wise Mind": This involves finding a balance between your emotional mind (driven by feelings) and your rational mind (driven by logic). When faced with a stressful holiday situation, take a moment to tap into your wise mind. Ask yourself: what is the most helpful way to respond to this situation? This can help you make thoughtful decisions rather than reacting impulsively.
"STOP" Skill: This is a quick and easy way to ground yourself when feeling overwhelmed. Stop what you're doing. Take a step back (both physically and mentally). Observe your surroundings and your inner experience. Proceed mindfully, with awareness.
By practicing mindfulness and utilizing DBT skills, you can cultivate a sense of calm amidst the holiday chaos. You might even find that you're able to appreciate the true spirit of the season more deeply. So take a deep breath, slow down, and savor the magic of the holidays – one mindful moment at a time.
