5 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Holidays

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Well, the holidays are certainly here! And it's obvious to me that the stress of this season is already kicking in for many of us, simply by the number of people who have signed up for my "Preparing for the Holidays with Restorative Yoga" Workshop this weekend.  It's interesting, isn't it? How this time of year is supposed to be full of love, family, gratitude, and reflection, but instead becomes about rushing from one holiday event to the next, shoving shopping in between, and baking, wrapping, & decorating? How can we put an end to the holiday mania? Obviously I have a few ideas, most of which are things that I'm going to work on this year, so I've listed them for you below, in hopes that you'll find them somewhat helpful, too. 

What helps you to slow down and enjoy the season? I challenge you to begin to make changes in how you approach this wonderful, but often stressful, time of year...

5 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Holidays

1. Learn to say no. This is a big one. If you remember my "No is the New Yes" post, then you'll remember that this is something I'm truly working on (always!) and that I've tried to remember as we jump head first into the holiday season. Sometimes, no matter how much fun an event sounds like it may be, it's better to stay home and sleep. Or take a bath. Or lay on the couch and read. Give yourself downtime by saying no, and you'll be able to be truly present at the events that you say "yes" to. 

2. Rethink how you give give gifts. Join the "Buy Nothing Until 2013" Challenge. Or, if you can't do this, or think that your loved ones might feel a little forgotten if you opt out of gifts this year, then change how you do presents this season. Do all of your shopping online so that you don't get sucked into the craziness and consumerism in the stores. Make something for everyone on your list. Give the gift of quality time together by gifting tickets to a show, a game, or a special exhibit that you know a loved one would enjoy attending. Find a way to infuse gift giving with a little joy, instead of thinking of it as another thing to be marked off of the holiday list. 

3. Embrace mindfulness. Pick a holiday "chore" that you need to get done anyways. Maybe that's writing greeting cards, or baking cookies, or decorating your tree, or wrapping presents, and turn it into a mindfulness exercise. Do nothing else, and truly focus on each aspect of what you're doing. As you measure out ingredients and pour them into the mixing bowl, notice how they feel, how they smell, how they taste (you can even sneak a nibble!). Look at each ornament and notice the texture, the colors, the memories that come flooding in. Be present in what you're doing, and you'll find a newfound sense of joy in life--and in the holidays.

4. Make your self-care practice a priority. Make time for whatever it is that keeps you sane. If that's your yoga practice (my therapy!), schedule the classes you'll go to at the beginning of the week, and stick to it--no excuses. If that's a morning run, or a kickboxing class, or a weekly massage, or even a mani-pedi, make time for it. You will be able to enjoy this time of year more if you take care of yourself. 

5. Get sleep. Are you surprised? As someone who truly believes in the power of sleep, I cannot recommend this enough. Even when things get out of control, I never get less than 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night, and I highly recommend it, as it has made a huge difference in my life. Everything becomes more stressful, and more overwhelming, when you haven't gotten sleep. On the contrary, a good night's sleep makes everything feel much more manageable. Do it!

Other great reminders for slowing down and enjoying this holiday season?
Make time for walks. Let go of the need to give something to everyone you come in contact with on a daily basis--totally unnecessary. Pick your indulgences wisely, and then enjoy them in moderation (to avoid some of the ever-present holiday self-loathing that can come up!). Wear holiday flare if it makes you happy. Take mini-breaks from technology to give yourself some space. Do a little svadhyaya, or self study, and begin to reflect on the past year in your journal, or through whatever outlet works for you. Begin to think about intentions for the New Year, while embracing gratitude for all of the wonderful moments of 2012.

I hope that instead of "getting through the holidays" this year, you can find a way to truly BE THERE during this holiday season--and soak up every minute of the festivities!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine