Seven mindfulness practices to stay grounded this festive season

Posted on 25 November, 2019

Let’s be real, with the festive season can come a whole lot of unwanted stress.

Frenzied shopping crowds, financial and time pressures, countless get-togethers and maybe an unexpected visit from the in-laws…the festive season can often leave us feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.

The practise of mindfulness can measurably alter ones outlook and mood and is an empowering tool when it comes to dealing with anxiety and stress.

Essentially, mindfulness is the practice of being aware while keeping a non-judgemental outlook (your thoughts and feelings are totally valid!).

Whether you’re a small business owner working ridiculous hours, a parent struggling to find ways to occupy your kids or a social butterfly who time after time again seems to spread yourself too thin, here are seven mindfulness practices you can utilise this festive season.

Use them to help anchor you and keep you grounded so you can better experience moments of magic again. 

Take a bath

Run yourself a nice warm bubble bath. Light a candle and take some time for yourself—leave your phone behind!

Perhaps you want to read a book or listen to some calming music. Use this time to exfoliate, wash your hair, put on a facemask and then lather yourself in moisturiser.

Notice the sound of the water, the feeling of the warmth against your skin—take some deep breaths and just relax. You deserve it.

Journal it out

Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto a piece of paper allows you to be free of the jumbled mess that is going on in your head.

Letting all your thoughts, fears and worries out in writing is detoxifying and re-energising. Equally, writing about your dreams, ambitions and passions help you go about your day in a more positive, aligned and mindful state.

Sit somewhere with no distractions and set a five-minute timer. Don’t stop writing until it goes off.

Below are some prompts to get you journaling:

• How do I feel right now?
• How do I want to feel? How can I start feeling this way right now?
• What questions have been swirling around in your mind lately? Write about them.
• If your heart could talk, what would it say?
• What makes me genuinely happy, what lights me up?

Unplug

Turn your phone off and tune into your surroundings—even better, try to get off your phone at least half-hour to an hour before bed.

Use this time to really wind down. Maybe you will spend it having that bath we talked about earlier, with loved ones or reading a book—whatever feels good to you!

It’s also great to do this in the morning too, try not to use your phone until you have fully woken up and prepared yourself for the day ahead.

It has become the norm to wake up and instantly start scrolling allowing a screen to influence how your day will be—take back the power! 

Get out in nature

Take a walk, leave your phone behind (or turn it off) and simply be with yourself.

Notice the different sounds and smells. Admire the beauty that surrounds you. Personally, my favourite place to be in nature is anywhere by water, something about the sound of running water is so calming and energising.

Take some time to just sit, listen and be with yourself, no distractions.

Yoga

Something a little more physically active, yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness and equally release the tension that always seems to build up around this time of year.

Yoga coordinates movement with the breath and gets us to pay attention to the sensations in the body as we move.

There are many types of yoga and no matter what your situation, you’re sure to find something that suits you and your ability.

You don’t have to go to a gym or studio to experience this—there are plenty of free, high-quality tutorials on YouTube, such as Yoga with Adriene.

Guided meditation

Meditating regularly helps the mind to focus and better be in the moment. It acts as a reset button for the mind and helps you let go of daily anxieties and stressors.

The most important thing to remember about meditation is that the aim is not to ‘not think’. Many people set themselves up for failure when they decide to try to meditation as they go into it thinking that they should not be thinking.

Put simply, meditation is a practice of slowing down the mind, recognising thoughts that come up but not giving them power.

Guided meditations are a great start for beginners and there are so many great ones available to you online. Apps like Headspace and Calm are also fab.

Gratitude

Expressing gratitude for all that is around you is a quick, simple and effective way to become more mindful.

I challenge you to sit down for five minutes each morning this festive season—perhaps with your cuppa—and write down three things that you are grateful for. A beautiful way to start your day!

It’s important to keep in mind that practicing mindfulness should be part of your lifestyle rather than a one-off in order to feel the real benefits.

Happy Mindfulness-ing!