5 Tips for Staying Present, Content, and Grateful this Holiday
This has been a tough year, to say the least. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I’m tired of the constant stress of thinking about the virus and how it might continue to affect our communities. For me, the fatigue is affecting my motivation to stay present this holiday. I’m noticing that I’m thinking about the future a lot, and what life will look like once we are all vaccinated. However, I need to stay present, for myself, but also for my family. It’s easy to wish this time away, but it’s so important to stay present and practice gratitude this holiday.
These are some things I’m doing to stay present, content, and grateful this holiday:
Practice gratitude daily
Last week I shared a worksheet on activities for practicing gratitude. I usually do this, but I’m trying to make this more intentional. Take a look at the worksheet and see if there is something you can commit to doing each day to practice gratitude.
Re-create holiday traditions
We all have holiday traditions that make us feel like it’s the holidays. This year things will be different, such as not spending time with extended family. However, you can re-create these traditions in ways that still allow you to connect with loved ones. Make it a point to do things that help you feel the spirit of the season, whether that is holiday movies, music, baking, cooking, crafting…find time for these special activities.
Spend time outside
Being in nature is a great way to bring us into the present. Find time to go for a 20 minute walk each day and just notice the natural environment around you.
Meditate
If you haven’t tried meditation yet, go on youtube and search for a 5 minute guided meditation. Try one each morning. If you already have a meditation practice, re-commit yourself to the practice.
Mindfulness and Flow
Similar to meditation, mindfulness and flow are states of mind in which we are fully engaged in the present moment and task at hand. Notice your thoughts as you are doing daily chores such as brushing your teeth, showering, or washing the dishes. Intentionally focus your thoughts on the physical actions in the moment. Notice what it feels like to wash the dishes, how does the soap feel on your hands, what movements is your hand making while you brush your teeth? Practicing mindfulness and flow helps us to stay in the present moment and not let anxious thoughts distract us from what is important.
I hope these tips are helpful in staying present, content, and grateful this holiday. I think we all understand that we have a lot to be grateful for, but it’s being able to do things each day that reinforce gratitude and being in the present that will allow us to fully enjoy the holidays.
Happy holidays! Stay well and healthy and reach out anytime!