Yet, along with cheer, the holiday season can also bring a cornucopia of physical, emotional and mental stressors. A good portion of holiday stress comes from either anticipating the future or dwelling on the past.
Maybe we have a perfect picture in our heads of how the holiday "should" be celebrated and we're worried that it will fall short.
Maybe the holidays stir up painful memories, especially if there are loved ones who are no longer be with us, or unresolved hurts that are dredged up during family visits.
And, sometimes, the sheer busyness of the holidays is enough to drive you crazy!
Whatever your holiday stressors, staying present helps you avoid being overwhelmed. It will help you enjoy your celebrations more fully and feel more connected with your family and friends.
To stay present off your mat, think about the things you have learned, or are learning, through your physical yoga practice:
1. Breathe
Breath has an amazing impact on your state of mind. Steady breath, steady mind. Anytime you begin to feel frazzled or overwhelmed, stop and breathe.
Count slowly as the air fills your lungs, then try to exhale your breath to the same count as your inhale. Find a rhythmic breath that feels good to you and notice how it begins to both soften and steady your body.
2. Slow down and move mindfully
Rushing around can be invigorating, but it can also create distance from what's happening around you. If you rush through your holidays, they may end in a dissatisfying blur.
Slow down. Way down. Feel your feet as they meet the ground, feel the texture of objects under your hands, smell the holiday scents, and savor every bite you eat. Allow time to truly experience your life and also time to simply sit, processing what you've experienced.
3. Let go of your expectations
Forget the idea of what a holiday should be. That's easier said than done, but it does get easier with practice. It helps to structure your plans with plenty of time for anything that may change along the way.
Letting things happen organically can be difficult because it means giving up a certain amount of control. However, you may find that being more flexible makes you better prepared for whatever may come.
When making plans, ask yourself this question: Are you controlling the event or are your plans controlling you?
4. Recognize past hurts
The holidays can bring up painful emotions and that's okay. Feel whatever you are feeling. You can't release the pain if you are actively repressing it.
Give yourself some time to feel sad or angry. Try writing in a journal, listening to sad music, or hitting a pillow. Give yourself time to feel and process your emotions.
Look for lessons you can learn from your pain, forgiveness you may give (to yourself or others) or amends you may be able to make. Go easy on yourself. Be gentle while healing and don't be afraid to ask for help from others.
5. Connect
To really appreciate the holidays, do more than spend time with your family and friends. Look for ways to connect with them.
Make eye contact. Put down your phone. Ask questions and actively listen to the answers. Give meaningful hugs or handshakes. If conflicts arise, look for common ground. Give and accept compliments freely. Share memories and tell stories. Play a game or share an activity.
Your holiday celebrations don't have to look like a Norman Rockwell moment or a page from Martha Stewart Living. They can be whatever you want them to be. And, if you stay present, you will enjoy them all the more.
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