Many people delay self-care until the New Year. Discover these three techniques to help you strengthen your resilience during this hectic season.
When did December 1st start feeling like a deadline? With gifts to wrap, the house to prepare, and parties to organize, it can feel overwhelming. This three-step mindfulness approach—moving, breathing, and sitting—can help you adjust your mindset, especially in the coming weeks when everything may feel a bit chaotic. What can we do during this time of year, influenced by societal expectations that often lead us to rush around?
Engaging in brief daily practices can assist us in managing our stress and transitioning to a state of being more alert and awake while also feeling relaxed and composed.
Incorporating simple, brief rituals into our daily routines can help us cope with the chaos and enable us to feel more clear-headed and awake, all while remaining calm and content. Being mindful doesn’t imply being overly relaxed to the point where nothing affects you. Instead, mindfulness means being genuinely aware and present in the moment while still maintaining a sense of tranquility, allowing you to truly engage with others during the hustle and bustle of December, taking a moment to connect and ask, “How are you? How is your mom?”
Enhance Resilience During the Holidays with This Mindful Movement Routine
Dynamic Mountain
Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, letting your arms hang naturally at your sides, palms facing forward. As you breathe in, stretch your arms forward and upward towards the ceiling. Breathe out, turning your palms open while reaching out and down. Repeat for 3-5 breaths.
Side Sways
Next, breathe in and lift your arms forward and up towards the ceiling. As you exhale, lean towards your right side, extending your left arm overhead. On your next inhalation, return to the center with both arms raised above. Exhale, swaying to your left while lowering your left arm and keeping your right arm up. Repeat for 3-5 breaths.
Side Bends
Bend your knees and place your hands on your knees as if you were a baseball player. As you inhale, reach up towards the ceiling and rise back to a standing posture. Repeat 3-5 times.
Twist
Inhale, reaching for the ceiling again and twist your torso to the right, keeping your hips aligned forward. While twisting, exhale and extend your arms out to the sides. As you come back to the center, lift your arms up and twist to the left. Breathe in and “windmill” back to the right. Repeat 3-5 times.
Seated Meditation
Find a seat, either on the floor or in a chair if that’s more comfortable for you. Rest your feet on the ground and place your hands on your knees, taking a moment to feel your body. Notice any sensations that arise. Shift your focus to your breathing, inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for four. Continue this counting for one to two minutes. Center your attention on the natural rhythm of your breath and the quality of your inhalation and exhalation.