While some people easily immerse themselves in holiday merriment, others find it elusive. Everyday pressures may seem to multiply this time of year, leading to holiday stress. If your holiday cheer is being replaced by tension, experts say that cultivating mindfulness may help.
Mindfulness is about living in the moment
Mindfulness is learning how to actively focus on the present without being overly judgmental of yourself or your circumstances. It is experiencing the present with openness and curiosity. This helps to decrease stress and gives you perspective. Mindfulness doesn’t require any special equipment, and becomes easier with practice.
While mindfulness is often associated with meditation, Suntheanine may also help you achieve a calmer state of mind by increasing the alpha brain waves associated with a relaxed, meditative state. Suntheanine may also sharpen your focus and mental clarity, which may make mindfulness easier to accomplish.
Here are three more ways to become more mindful this holiday season:
- Expect and accept imperfection. Hallmark movies may have you believe that your holiday celebrations must look and feel a certain way. Of course, real life is just not that straightforward. Change your perspective by deciding to forgive yourself and others when things don’t go according to plan. Reflect on what matters most to you – whether that’s love, family or friendships – and focus on those things in every holiday situation.
- Replace minor aggravations with acts of kindness. Kind gestures can make stressful situations more pleasant. If you’re standing in a long line at the supermarket, let someone cut in front of you. If gift giving starts to feel like a chore, reach out to someone who may be spending the holiday alone. Remember meaningful giving includes smiles, your time and being there for someone emotionally. It doesn’t always have to be a physical gift.
- Be kinder to yourself. Criticizing yourself is self-defeating and only adds to your stress. So, instead of feeling guilty for eating your favorite holiday foods, try enjoying them in moderation by eating mindfully. Take smaller portions and savor each bite. Let go of the negativity and give yourself permission to reach your goals at your pace. As long as you’re moving forward, you’re going in the right direction!
It is possible to diffuse holiday stress by paying closer attention to what really matters and staying in the moment. Suntheanine may help you achieve a more mindful state of mind, so this holiday season can be even more fulfilling.
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