How to Be More Present During the Holidays
The holidays are meant to bring us joy, excitement, and peace, but sometimes busy schedules and stressful family dynamics can cause us to quickly lose focus on what matters most. This time of the year, it’s more important than ever to stay centered and keep our personal joy alive, for ourselves and for our loved ones.
Keep reading to learn quick ways to gain perspective and be more present this holiday season.
1. Practice gratitude every morning. Thinking about the good is one of the most essential parts of living a gracious life. Every morning, even if just for a few minutes, take time to journal at least 3-5 things you’re grateful for at that moment. The more your brain becomes accustomed to this habit, the easier it will be to find new things to be thankful for every day. We all have a choice of what we’re going to think about and what we’re going to focus on. Even the act of just recognizing the fact that you DO have a choice about what your mindset will be is huge personal growth progress.
2. Find the silver lining. When fearful, angry, or negative thoughts creep in, usher them out with a positive change in mindset. Try to find a silver lining in the situation. Be on the hunt for the miracles happening all around you. When in doubt, ask yourself this question: “How can this be the best thing that ever happened to me?”
3. Use affirmations and positive self-talk. While it may seem a little weird at times, there’s something powerful about the words you say to yourself, either out loud or in your head. When things feel out of control and your anxiety grows, don’t let negative self-talk take over. Try repeating affirmations to yourself. Say things like “I am in control of my attitude and can remain joyful in the face of challenges.” When you repeat positive self-talk, your brain will be more apt to believe the words you’re saying!
4. Alter your physical and mental state. When circumstances feel like they’re too much to handle, you may need to step away and change your environment to gain perspective. Try some quick breathing exercises or meditation to lower your cortisol levels and recenter your mind. Or, step outside and go for a quick walk to calm yourself and increase your endorphins. When you return to the situation, you’ll be much more likely to handle the situation with grace.
5. Read between the lines. Between the crowded holiday shopping, rude family members, and hurried drivers in traffic, it can be easy to find reasons to be frustrated when others are being inconsiderate during the holidays. Instead of getting angry when others do something to offend you, try to imagine what they must be going through behind the scenes. Grow your empathy muscles and have compassion for others, even when they’ve hurt you. Remember that everyone is fighting an unseen battle.
You have the opportunity to be a light to others this season! Remember that your kindness is the best gift you can give to others and can truly change someone’s reality.