This holiday season, let's all make a commitment to cultivating calm.
The holidays are a time of year that can be challenging for many of us. There are so many things to do, and so many expectations placed on us by our families and friends. It's easy to feel stressed out, anxious, or overwhelmed in this season of busyness.
But there's another way to approach the holidays: as an opportunity for stillness and calm.
In this blog, we'll discuss how to cultivate calm through spiritual practices, even in the busiest of seasons. We'll also talk about how you can let go of anxiety during the holiday season so that you can enjoy yourself more fully with those around you.
We've all been there: you're in the middle of a stressful situation, and your mind starts racing. You start to feel anxious, and before you know it, the anxiety has taken over.
But what if we could stop that from happening? What if we could learn how to get into our bodies and stay in touch with them when things start to get overwhelming?
When we're able to stay grounded in our bodies and listen to what they have to say, we can begin to let go of the anxiety that comes from feeling disconnected from ourselves. We can begin the process of listening to our inner guidance system instead of allowing outside influences tell us how we should be feeling or behaving.
That means taking time each day—or even just once or twice a week—to practice mindfulness meditation or yoga, or another form of exercise that helps you connect with yourself on a deeper level.
Identify where the anxiety is coming from
In order to change something, we have to become aware of where it is coming from. Noticing where our anxieties are coming can be a difficult process sometimes, especially when everything seems like it’s going well. Sometimes I will suggest to my clients to take a chunk of time to write down everything that comes to mind. After you’ve written everything out, most times the anxieties will become more clear.
Notice your body
After you’ve identified your anxieties, take notice to your body. Where are you tense? How is your breathing? How does your posture feel?
Take a deep breath
Instant relief comes from the breath. Inhaling from the stomach will allow your lungs to take in more air, exhaling longer than your inhale will immediately trigger your brain to relax. Do this 3 times - then rinse and repeat whenever you need it.
Explore your thought patterns
What is driving you? What is happening to cause the anxieties and unrest? Something that I do with clients is exploring the thought patterns behind these anxieties. What I’ve learned through my years of coaching is that our thoughts and beliefs become actions.
Slow down
The most important thing you can do is slow down. Mindfulness comes from being able to be in the moment. This moment. Every moment. We can’t do this when we’re rushing around in the hustle and bustle (especially in the holiday season). So take that breath and sloooowwww down. Even for a moment.
Short but Sweet Takeaway: Be still, be calm, and be mindful.
I’d be happy to help you uncover, discover and discard that which may be blocking you from showing up fully and embracing presence. My 12 week program, Journey to Authenticity, is a great place to start.
You owe it to yourself, and your loved ones, to be authentically you, feeling empowered to show up fully present to life on life’s terms (which isn’t always easy.)
Tap here to connect and to set up a call to discuss more.
Until next time, be good to yourself, dear one.
Grace and Peace,
~Lea, xo