The holiday season is here and with it comes all the emotions—excitement, joy, stress, and exhaustion. With all the parties and planning, it’s easy to get distracted and overwhelmed. Consider practicing mindfulness to help you stay present and enjoy the fun filled family festivities that the season brings.
What is it? Mindfulness is bringing your attention to the present moment to help give you perspective and decrease stress. It’s noticing when you get caught up in thoughts about the past or the future and can help you return your attention to the present.
Check out our tips for mindful moments and self-care strategies, to help you keep the holiday merry and bright.
Take A Breath
You’re multi-tasking with the best of them this season, but what if you just hit pause for a moment or two? Whether you’re sipping a hot beverage or folding laundry, try shifting your attention to be deliberate and thoughtful. Pay attention to only the moment at hand. It can help create a healthy focus and take the edge off of feeling overwhelmed. Find 5 to 10 minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Take a deep inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth to help your body find calm. Click here for more tips on how to take a pause each day.
Embrace Imperfection
Many of us feel a pressure to appear perfect. This might set you up for disappointment. So, why not give in to imperfection? Let go of the pressure for the right table setting, the most beautifully wrapped gifts, and best dressed family photos. Life’s best memories are the ones that are unplanned. Try not to set the bar impossibly high for yourself and know that joy is in the real moments, not the posed pics.
Stop the Scroll
Now that you’ve embraced imperfection, put down your device. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others as we scroll through social media and think
someone else’s life and family are perfect. We might assume everyone around us is happy, and we’re the odd one out. So put down the phone, step back from your screens, and do something fun with those you love!
Give Your Time
Presents under the tree are always amazing, but when you bring someone
else joy, you both receive the best gift ever. According to study by UnitedHealthcare and VolunteerMatch, volunteerism positively affects the health and well-being of the people who participate. With 93% of those surveyed reporting an improved mood, 79% citing lower stress levels and 88% experiencing increased self-esteem by giving back, these volunteers felt they had greater control over their health and well-being. So, what have you got to lose? Why not spread some good cheer this season? Look for ways you can help in your community—you could lend a hand at a soup kitchen, gift essentials to those in need, drop by the fire or police station with some holiday goodies, and much more.
Ask for Help
We can all use a little help sometimes, and we shouldn’t be shy about asking for it—those around you might actually like giving it! You can ask a family member to pick up your child at school so you can do some last-minute errands—they might really want some extra together time. And consider making your holiday meal a potluck where everyone will love sharing their favorite recipes.
Practice Self Care
If your calendar is already jammed with holiday parties and cookie swaps, remember to schedule some time for you. And pay attention to your energy levels! Listen to your body, it will tell you when you need some solo time (even if just for a few minutes). Enjoy a hot cup of cocoa in a quiet space, meditate, do some yoga, or book a spa treatment. Taking care of yourself is essential to fully enjoy this time of year.
For more information health and wellness, visit
https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness