As the festive season starts, we’re met with sparkling lights, bustling Christmas markets, and the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread. Whereas Christmas is usually filled with joy and celebration, it can also feel a bit stressful and chaotic.
At Vavista, we believe in embracing the spirit of the holidays while carving out moments of peace and mindfulness. Here are some tips to help you navigate the festive season with serenity and joy. So read on for Mindfulness Tips: Finding Peace During the Festive Season
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Set Realistic Expectations
The pressure to create the perfect Christmas for everyone can be overwhelming. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on what truly matters to you and your family. This could be fun decorating with loved ones, homemade gifts, or a family baking session. Embrace the beauty of imperfection. Things don’t have to be perfect to be fun or beautiful, often, the most cherished memories come from spontaneous moments.
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Establish a Mindful Morning Routine
Start your day off with some calm if you can. Dedicate a few minutes each morning to mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or journaling your thoughts. These few minutes can help you approach the days tasks with a clearer and more positive mindset.
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Take Breaks
With the long list of tasks like shopping, decorating, and planning, remember to plan in some down time. There is a tendency to power through and get everything done immediately, but this can lead to burn out.
Schedule short breaks throughout your day to step outside, enjoy a warm drink, or simply breathe deeply. These moments of calm can recharge your mindset and help your overall well-being.
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Practice Gratitude
The slow winter months are a great time to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Whether it’s a cozy home, supportive friends, or cherished traditions, noticing these good things can shift your focus from stress to appreciation. Harvard University research showed that practicing gratitude is strongly linked with greater happiness. It can help people feel more positive emotions, appreciate good experiences, improve health, cope with adversity, and have stronger relationships.[1]
At the end of each day try and write 5 things you are grateful for. Notebooks like The Five Minute Journal and The 52 Lists Project are great for providing some gratitude prompts if you don’t know where to start.
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Limit Screen Time
While social media can give you inspiration, and be a nice escape – it can also lead to negative comparisons and anxiety. One investigation found that people who used social media the most in their study group were at three times more risk of suffering from depression and anxiety.[2]
Set boundaries around your screen time, especially during the holidays. For example, you can create screen-free zones in the home (dining room, living room, etc.) and make a no-phone policy at mealtimes. Instead, engage in face-to-face conversations or activities, like some festive family baking that bring you joy.
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Embrace Nature
The UK’s winter landscapes are stunning. Take a stroll in a local park or visit a nearby nature reserve. Research shows that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that this brief connection with nature is associated with a notable drop in cortisol levels, which is a key indicator of stress. [3]
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Plan Mindful Gatherings
When hosting or attending holiday gatherings, focus on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Firstly, encourage meaningful conversations, play games, or share stories that foster connection and joy, rather than just concentrating on food or decorations.
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Reflect on the Year
As the year draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on your experiences. Think about these or write them down, here are some to get you started
- Goals: What is the main thing you want to achieve next year? Overall, what is your most important goal for the year?
- Habits: Did you make any new habits?
- Learning: What was the best thing you learned? What area do you feel you improved the most?
- Relationships: How do you feel about your relationships? What were your key relationships this year?
- Achievements: What are you most proud of? What was your biggest career or relationship accomplishment?
- Challenges: What personal challenges did you face?
- Health: How do you feel about your physical and mental health?
This reflection can provide clarity, gratitude and help you set intentions for a fulfilling new year.
This festive season let’s prioritise mindfulness. By incorporating these mindful moments into your routine, you can find peace and joy, making the holidays truly special. At Vavista, we wish you a season filled with warmth, love, and tranquility.
If you liked this blog, you should check out our article on 10 effective stress management tips for year round calm!
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