The holiday season is undoubtedly a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. It’s a time when we come together with loved ones, savor delicious meals and exchange heartfelt gifts with friends and family. However, for many women, the holidays often bring an extra layer of stress and busyness. The pressure to juggle personal and professional responsibilities, coupled with the expectations of creating picture-perfect celebrations, can sometimes take a toll on our well-being. That’s why today I’m going to introduce three ways you can use calming rituals that you can seamlessly infuse into your holiday routine.
These rituals are tailored to help you navigate the holiday season with grace, mindfulness and a sense of inner calm, so you can truly enjoy this special time of year.
- Mindful Morning Start
Mornings are a great time to start your day right and infuse some calm from the get go. You also don’t need to wake up an hour earlier to do so.
- Take 10 minutes in the morning before everyone else is up. Head to a calm corner of the house and try a breathing exercise or Calm app meditation. Keep a journal nearby and write down three things you are grateful for or three things that made you smile in the last 24 hours.
- Then to add some joy to your morning by turning on your favorite song and jamming out while you get ready.
- Midday Sip and Stretch
Whether you’re home or traveling for holidays, try this midday!
- Grab a warm beverage–your coffee or tea will do. Take 2-3 mindful sips, try and close your eyes and really notice the taste, smell and feel of your delicious beverage!
- Then try some cat/cow stretching. You can do this seated or on the ground. It’s a great midday back opener to grab a moment of calm wherever you are!
3I. Evening Wind-Down
Maintaining a wind down routine is essential, especially during busy holiday weeks!
- Try and keep your essentials in (i.e. make-up off, face wash routine, etc.) but also pack a lavender essential oil and your favorite scented lotion.
- Take three breaths with lavender and give yourself a calming hand or foot massage.
- Wind down while journaling about your day or finishing up your to-do list for the next day.
Try these calming rituals within your daily routine to infuse more calm this holiday season.
Lastly, we know the holiday season IS busy. Try asking these reflection questions as you map out your holiday time schedule!
- Does this holiday activity energize or drain me?
- Do these people at this event fill my cup or drain it?
- Give yourself grace. The goal isn’t to get your schedule/holiday season “perfect.” The goal is to roll through the waves of it, enjoy the season and rest when you can!
Happy Holidays!
Maria Serbus
