If you’re already starting to feel that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach in anticipation of the impending holiday season, then this article is for you.

One of the best ways you can keep your stress levels down and your quality of mental and emotional help up is to practice mindfulness. Incorporating this habit into your life has proven to have a multitude of benefits on the human body, for men and women of all ages.

To help prepare you to have a more restful, enjoyable, and less stressful holiday season, we’re going to walk you through the top four ways to practice mindfulness.

What is mindfulness?

To be mindful is to be present in each moment, to be intentional with your time and your energy, and to remain aware of your mental, emotional and physical state. 

Practicing mindfulness involves observing your different thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and environment with curiosity, rather than critically or with judgment. To be mindful is to practice emotional, mental and physical self-control so that you can clearly observe your experiences rather than react impulsively.

Mindfulness is often associated with meditation and spiritual practices, but it can be incorporated into your day-to-day life. Teens, young adults, and men and women of all ages can practice mindfulness, it isn’t limited to one gender or any single demographic.

What are the benefits of mindfulness?

There are many benefits to practicing mindfulness, including:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Better ability to stay focused
• Emotional regulation
• Healthier, more restful sleep
• Mental resilience
• Self-control and discipline
• Improved physical health

While mindfulness is not a habit that’s restricted to any one time of year, many people find it especially beneficial to practice mindfulness during busy or stressful seasons, like the holidays.

How to practice holiday mindfulness

There are many different ways to practice holiday mindfulness; we’ve compiled the top four best ways you can help yourself be more present and less anxious this holiday season.

1. Remember the reason for the season

It can be so easy to become frustrated or overwhelmed when things don’t go our way. The holidays are full of details that make them a unique and wonderful time of year, but we can also lose sight of what’s important by becoming hyper-fixated on perfecting these details.

It’s okay if you burned a batch of cookies or didn’t finish dusting the living room. Surround yourself with loved ones, give without expecting anything in return, spread kindness and good cheer, laugh through the imperfect moments and then just let them go.

2. Reduce your screen time

The average person in the United States spends between seven and nine hours a day staring at screens. While it’s not practical for most people to live a “low-tech” life in the twenty-first century, there are steps you can take to reduce your screen time. 

Many phone settings allow you to set a timer that lets you know when it’s time to get off an app, or lower the blue light of your screen (reduce eye strain and mental stimulation). You can practice gratitude in the morning before unlocking your phone, and commit to reading or writing before bed, rather than scrolling through social media. 

3. Communicate and emotionally regulate

A large element of mindfulness is learning how to respond, rather than react; a response is intentional and thoughtful, whereas a reaction is emotional and impulsive. 

The holidays often bring family members or friends into our lives that might be challenging for us to interact with, making this a great opportunity to begin practicing both of these skills. 

4. Reach out for professional guidance

Knowing where to begin with improving one or multiple areas of your life can be overwhelming, but with the right support team behind you, you’ll be set up for success.

Contact us today

Tapestry Recovery is a premier behavioral health treatment center that helps men and women from various walks of life revive their mental and physical health.

We offer premier programs for eating disorders, mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Whether you’re struggling with one or several conditions, our supportive staff is committed to helping you reclaim your health.

Recognizing that many disorders are often connected to trauma, we have a dedicated trauma program where you can speak and work with trauma-trained physicians. 

To speak with one of our intake specialists and learn more about our services, send us a message or give us a call today at 828-490-4032.