Wow!   We are already in the midst of the holidays and fast approaching the end of the year. It is a very busy and hectic time of the year for most people.  There are holiday plans, people to see, events, parties and celebrations to attend.  No matter what holiday you may partake in, the end of the year and all it brings can be a very stressful and perhaps even sad time of year leaving one wondering where the joy is to be found.

One poll taken of how people feel about the holidays reveals that 80% feel that the holiday season is extremely stressful and is actually dreaded!   A multitude of negative thoughts, feelings and emotions can be triggered.  This is the “unconscious” reaction that we can easily slide into, if we remain unaware.

It is when we choose to be conscious, to be present in the moment, that we can choose our responses.  How sweet is that?  Our ability to choose provides each of us the capacity to select a different emotion if the one we feel does not serve us.  To do this, it does take conscious effort and strong intent.  We can use this opportunity to change how we view the now time of our holiday experience and elevate our joy and sense of pleasure.  We can consciously choose some new approaches or really, just be more in tune with what we are choosing for our self.  

It is when we positively shift our self to be more mindful, grateful and fully present in the moments that not only do we increase our own joy, but it also has positive effects for those around us.  

Here are some conscious tools that can allow you to be more present in the moment, release negative feelings and invite more joy and peace into your holiday.  I invite you to use them to positively re-create your holiday experience for yourself now

Breathing in Calm

Our breath is our own instant tool for creating relaxation while grounding us into the present moment. In choosing to be more conscious of our breathing, we can get a gage on how we are responding to things at any given moment.  At holiday time when we may be in a rush, stressed or frustrated, we can use our breath to instantly bring our self back into a calmer state.

This is such a wonderful and easy tool to use because it can be performed at any time.  You may be standing in the checkout line at a store, or driving in the car, on the phone or sitting at work.  Each of these times is a perfect opportunity to check in on your breathing.  First, be aware of how deep or shallow your breathing is at the moment.  Notice if you are breathing from your stomach area or if you are breathing from the top of your chest.  It is when our breath is shallow and short that indicates we are in a place of stress.  

Being conscious of our breathing and taking in deep, full breathes instantly calms us, releasing wonderful “feel good” chemicals in our brains and bodies while it also brings in more oxygen and energy to all part of us.   Make a conscious choice to focus more on the depth of your breath.  You can begin by breathing in slowly, deeply and focus on expanding your stomach instead of your chest.

Perhaps do this four or more times consecutively.  Feel how calm and relaxed your body is.  Such an easy and effective tool for creating calm; not only for the holidays, but for everyday.

The Grace of Gratitude

We can never be “too grateful”!   The elevating power of gratitude can shift your mood and perspective rapidly to one that allows you to recognize the countless blessings in your life.  Holidays are known as time of reflection and being grateful, but I invite you to use it as a conscious tool for daily living.

Counting and reviewing our blessings elevates our perspective.  It can make us instantly wealthy.  In taking account of all that we have tangible and intangible, immediately we become enlightened to all we are blessed with. When we take a deeper look at our life, we find so many things we take for granted, from the warmth of the sun, to the joyous smile shared from a child.  Yes, it is easy to take for granted so many things, experiences and people in our life.  So, take a moment each day to reflect on your personal wealth.  For when we focus on being thankful and grateful we bring more of those things into our life.     

The Self Gift of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a gift of grace.  Forgiveness is one of the most powerful self tools we have assessable.

A forgiving attitude reaps many benefits for the forgiver more than the person being forgiven.   During the holidays, we encounter many people from our family close and afar to co-workers, friends and neighbors.  We may be holding in feelings from something that was hurtful for us, or something that was said that we held onto with thoughts of anger and pain.   Anytime is the right time to forgive someone or ourselves unconditionally.  

Releasing our hurt by forgiving is a present we can choose to give to our self.  For those negative emotions keep us stuck in unhealthy thoughts and energies. When we practice being forgiving, we empower ourselves.  It lightens our emotional load. It in no way serves us in to remain bitter or take a victim approach.   Consciously take the time to practice forgiveness and give to yourself this gift of relief and understanding.  Practice replacing anger with love and watch your inner joy bloom!

Mindful Eating

With a holiday savory myriad of homemade goodies, sweets, parties and gatherings, practicing mindful eating can help you to not over indulge.  By using a mindful, in the moment approach, you can navigate those tempting holiday choices and still take pleasure in the festivities while honoring your body.  

Mindful eating may look like this….

Choosing small portions
Drinking a couple of glasses of water before the event will help keep your appetite in check
Only put on your plate what you will eat in that moment
Eat slowly, noticing the taste and texture
Choose only those foods that please you most
Careful not to get lost in conversation and eating at the same time
Consider what food selections will bring you the most energy and nutrition
Share your plate with a friend

Mindful eating allows us to be more aware of what we are putting into our bodies.  When we are more aware, we tend to make better choices for ourselves.  Try it and see how it works for you this holiday season.

Choosing “No” is a Choice

Exercise your power of choice by saying “no”. It is okay, really! It may be difficult at first for some, but give it a try.  Setting personal boundaries are very important, especially in the role of self-care.

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed at holiday time with so much we may wish to do and may be expected of us. We always have a choice, yet sometimes we feel like we don’t.  We may feel that with all the activities of the holidays that we need to be involved in everything that everyone asks of us.  This conscious tool allows us to be more mindful of what brings us joy and to say “no” to those things that don’t.  

It really is okay to say “no” and to enjoy all moments of the holiday season.  Next time you are asked to join, participate or attend a function you really prefer not to, exercise your personal power and politely say no.   You can feel good about setting your personal boundaries and choosing those things that are fulfilling to you!  When you consciously choose your holiday events, activities and gatherings, those things you partake in will be much more pleasing and memorable.  

Mindfulness Moments

Mindfulness can increase and expand your holiday joy in bountiful ways.  Being mindful is just being present in the moment.  Not thinking of anything in the past or in the future, but just being fully present in the moment before you.  It is not as easy as it sounds, as we get busy and in a hurry with so much on our mind as we wind down the year and partake in the holiday activities.

Mindfulness can be practiced in small increments of time.  Start with spending 5 or 10 minutes of only feeling, thinking and paying attention to what is taking place in your moments.  Your mind is occupied with only your current experience and nothing from the past or future enters into your focus.  If it does, then gently take a breath and bring yourself back to what is happening right now.  By keeping yourself completely and fully engaged in the present, you are aware of every thought and action.  When you are in this space, in the current moment, you are in a powerful place of being and nothing can distract you. As you practice this more and more, you will notice that you are likely doing more of those things that you enjoy.   

Being mindful in the moment can be practiced at any time.   Be aware and observe how mindfulness can heighten your senses, your experience, your appreciation to connect deeper to feel more love, joy and inner peace.  Just like using any new tool, the more you practice it the better the results and the more automatic it becomes.

So choose any tool and begin now to increase your holiday and everyday joy in your world.

Renée Snider is renowned and respected for her transformational and practical Holistic methodologies, keen insightfulness and intuitive ability to identify blockages impeding happiness and wholeness of mind, body and spirit.  Renée is a Certified Wellness Coach and Licensed Wellcoach®.  A graduate of Wellcoaches® premier training, the recognized world leader in Wellness Coaching.  For more information visit www.reneesnider.com