Tips to Stay Mindful this Holiday Season
Stress is unavoidable. With simple awareness and training, you can alter the way your body interprets and responds to stressful situations.
We all seek a balance in our lives, as does our body. When our system is overwhelmed we have a tendency to react to events, rather than respond.
Regular training of our parasympathetic (relaxation) response can make you more resistant to this roller coaster we call life.
duration is key. Start small and make it regular.
Here are some ways to stay grounded this holiday season.
Just notice!
Notice how you feel, be curious and aware of emotions and surroundings. For many, the holidays can be reminders of loss, grief, or loneliness. Allow yourself to make space and acknowledge whatever emotions come up for you and others, rather than try to get rid of them.
The never fail – take a deep breath.
It is your body’s built-in stress reliever. Slow, deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic reaction — the one that calms us down. Find some more breathing techniques here.
Practice gratitude, daily!
Trying to think of things you are grateful for forces you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. UCLA neuroscience researcher Alex Korb, found this simple act increases serotonin production in the anterior cingulate cortex.
It’s not finding gratitude that matters most; it’s remembering to look in the first place.
My personal go-to pose, legs up the wall, Viparita Karani.
Lie on your back with your legs up a wall. Stay there for 5 to 10 minutes or more. It helps to improve circulation, stimulate digestion, calms the mind, and it’s easy to do!
Meditate.
Research has proven meditation can reshape the brain. Habitual patterns can be broken and new healthier patterns can form over time with consistent practice. Consistency rather than than duration is key.
Start small and make it regular.