Practicing mindfulness during an usual holiday season

The holiday season can bring up different kinds of feelings, emotions and memories. With a pandemic added into the mix, it’s as important as ever this year to be aware of how you are doing and take care of yourself and others. Jonathan Zarb, Spiritual Health Therapy and Education Coordinator, shares some wellness and mindfulness tips for you to consider over the holidays.

Be open to both your emotions and others

Feelings surrounding grief, loss, isolation, stress, family strain and more can be heightened around the holidays. Be mindful of your experiences and those of others as this will enable you to show compassion during your interactions.

Shop mindfully

There are several ways you can do this. For example, you can support small, local businesses when possible, make homemade gifts and shop within your budget. Enjoy the intention of shopping for the person you are buying for and make sure to send them your wishes for happiness, good health and peace.

Be realistic with your expectations, both with yourself and others

Celebrating the holidays during a pandemic will definitely be far from normal. While planning this year’s celebrations, ensure you are following public health restrictions and guidelines in your community. Take some time to re-evaluate how you can still celebrate the holidays while taking your emotional state and that of your loved ones’ into consideration.

Eat mindfully

Savour the special flavours of the holiday season in moderation and feel good about what you eat and drink. To eat mindfully is to slow down, take time to sit, chew slowly, savour the flavours, aromas, textures and presentation of our food, practice moderation, and enjoy it!

Unplug from devices

Be mindful of your phone and device usage. Notice how much time you spend looking for the perfect recipe, inspirations for decorations or crafts and try not to set your celebration expectations too high. Also be aware of technology usage while you are spending time with those in your household. Try to put the phone down and be present with the people around you.

Be present in the moment

Try to be an active listener and be truly present with those in your household. During the holidays we often have a lot on our minds and multitasking becomes the norm. We might be thinking of the food in the oven, if everyone’s drinks are topped up, and the cat is attacking the tree. I invite you to turn down the distractions and give the person in front of you your full attention.

Make peace with uncertainty

Learning how to tolerate uncertainty is a huge part of building healthy coping skills for ourselves. We can model that for others by the ways we respond when things don’t work out as planned. The pandemic is a prime example of this!

Practice self-love

Take time for yourself this holiday season, even if it’s just a brief moment. Enjoy a cup of tea, go on a winter walk, take a bath, light a candle, do some reading, listen to holiday music, meditate or just breathe. You may find it’s easier to be present with others if you take just a little bit of time to be present with yourself and your own needs.