Mindfulness for Holiday Happiness

Well, it’s that time again – the holiday rush is now officially upon us! What usually happens
during the holidays? How do you feel during the holiday rush? Would you like to settle down
and actually enjoy the holidays this year? Let’s talk about using Mindfulness for Holiday Happiness!

Some Reasons for the Stress

Many people have many social obligations – both personal and business – and feel pressure to go
to parties and other gatherings, whether they feel up to it or not. Or maybe you feel you should
be attending something but didn’t get the invitation…. Gift-giving can also be very stressful as
you try to get just the right gift, and worry whether you have enough money or not. Tension in
families often runs very high; while family support can be a good thing for holiday stress, lack of
it can lead to even more stress. Traveling during the holidays can also be dicey, especially
depending on the weather! Also, if you have lost people through death, moving away, or other
separations, this can also be a source of much stress and grief. And then there’s all that unhealthy
(yet delicious) eating that goes on. This leads to our feeling less than ideal both physically and
emotionally, but frankly, it’s hard to step outside of this cycle. Due to poor eating and general
holiday stress, we can start to feel anxious, depressed, irritable, angry, sad, exhausted, and
sometimes nauseous and dizzy. Also, we may find we’re not sleeping that well at night.

Clinical studies have shown again and again that we need to have a plan in place to combat all
this stress. When we do this effectively, it leads to more relaxation, enjoyment, and just plain joy
– something the holidays are supposed to bring us. Here are a few tips you can think about so
that your holiday season this year is more relaxing.

Decrease Clutter Before the Holidays

I notice, especially as I get older, that it feels good to declutter my surroundings. So periodically
I go through my closets and shelves to see if there’s anything I’m not using but is still in good shape. These things I donate to charitable organizations who either give things away to those
who cannot afford to buy much, or they sell things for a lowered cost (think second-hand shops,
the National Kidney Foundation, the Salvation Army, etc.). Some things just need to be pitched –
and that’s what I do! Okay, it’s so hard to make these decisions, but the end result is worth it.

Focus on Meaningful Experiences over Possessions

Here in America we seem to place so much emphasis on stuff – what we have, what we’re
getting for special occasions or in general, etc. Think about this – when you’ve experienced a
loss, what are you grieving? The loss of a thing (okay, it could be this…), or the loss of a person?
Or maybe you remember things that happened or things you did together. So put more of a focus
on creating positive experiences, committing them to the written page and pictures and videos.
What lovely memories these will make! They are worth more than all the gifts in the world.

Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks

Please remember that healthy eating and drinking options also taste delicious! We are,
fortunately, living in a time when healthy eating and drinking has become fashionable and
desirable, and many companies provide products that are healthy. Use these at parties and
dinners! Also the internet has many wonderful recipes (only watch your time and stress if you
are cooking yourself). You can also take a favorite recipe and make it with healthier ingredients.
You’ll enjoy these options and your body and good mood will thank you for it! Even doctors are
beginning to recommend this.

Remember to Donate Your Time and Money

What? Another thing to do? I could go on and on about time management, but I will just say that
if you think of your time as a budget, you decide what gets into the calendar and what can be left
off. Think about what’s really important to you, your loved ones, and your health. Evidence-
based studies show that giving to others is also giving to yourself – it’s good for your health!
Many non-profit organizations take in most of their operating budget for the year at the holidays.

Take a Break and be Mindful

These tips help us to be more mindful and aware of what’s truly important. While we’re making
better choices, let’s not forget to take 5 for a little meditation, or something that helps us calmdown and be present in the moment, which is probably a little different for each and every
person. Just do it!

As we close, I want to say a word about body positivity. You are more than what (you think) you
look like. Yes, self-perception is often more negative than how others see us. So try to see it their
way! And minimize spending time with negative people (who have their own mental health
struggles). Realize if they are demeaning, that they do not value themselves or they would be
behaving differently. A truly self-confident person has no need to put others down. So what if
you gain a few pounds over the holidays? That’s what New Year’s resolutions are for!! A few
pounds gained can be a few pounds lost in the new year.