The Gift of Presence:

The Holiday season can be... Stressful. 

We have a few tips to help you stay present amid all the season's stresses. 

1. Breathe

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, take a moment to breathe. Start by taking three to five deep breaths, counting “one-one thousand” on the breath in and “two-one thousand” on the way out, etc.... This will help center and ground you in the present moment. And it’s a great way to remind yourself that everything will be OK. 

2. Take 10 Minutes to Yourself 

Carve out time in your schedule to collect your thoughts. You could meditate, draw, write in a journal, or take a quick walk. Whatever you do, the purpose of these 10 minutes is to help you focus and reorient yourself. When you have some quiet time daily, you have space to reflect on what matters to you – like your friends and family. 

3. Practice Gratitude

Being grateful, even the smallest things, like your morning cup of coffee, has great benefits. Not only does it boost your mood, but it also helps to reframe the day and give yourself a new perspective on the challenges ahead. 

By doing these easy things, you can make the holidays less stressful and appreciate time with your loved ones more. It’s called the Holiday Blues for a reason. So, if you’re feeling down, don’t fret. Know that we all experience the craziness of year-end emotions.