Decorating After Christmas – Can Mindful Post-Holiday Rituals Be Your Secret Self-Care Weapon?
- Brainz Magazine
- Dec 28, 2023
- 5 min read
Written by: Ana Vavrek, Special Guest Writer
As the festive echoes fade and the glitter settles, a hush descends upon our homes. The post-holiday lull, often tinged with a melancholic blue, whispers of merriment past and leaves us yearning for the next spark of joy. But nestled within this quietude, amidst the fading twinkle lights and quiet corners, lies a hidden gem – an opportunity to cultivate wellbeing through the intentional practice of mindful un-decorating.
As a holistic wellbeing coach, I believe this intentional approach can not only ease the post-holiday blues but also inspire a mindful approach to future festive seasons, transforming decorating and un-decorating into mini self-care rituals. In this article, I will share the secrets to mindful un-decorating, showing you how to turn this seemingly mundane task into a powerful tool for self-reflection and renewal.
Research suggests that engaging in creative activities like decorating, bolsters our psychological wellbeing by fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment (Hancock et al., 2022). Yet, the post-holiday period offers a unique twist: the chance to un-decorate. This seemingly mundane chore, when approached with mindfulness, reveals its own therapeutic potential, transforming our spaces and, in turn, transforming ourselves.
Decorating with intention: Anchoring joy and belonging
But first let’s start with decorating with intention. Let your home become a canvas for your values and aspirations. Adorn your shelves with hand-painted ornaments, each brushstroke a testament to cherished connections (Krueger & Ketley, 2016). Display a faded Polaroid that captures a joyous shared moment, its worn edges singing of laughter and love (Howell & Keirns, 2005). These personal touches, imbued with meaning, act as anchors to your sense of self and belonging.
Delve deeper into the world of sensory experiences. Let calming scents, like the gentle scent of lavender or comforting vanilla, waft through your space (Moss et al., 2017). Drape plush throws over armchairs, inviting you to sink into their plushness, and let soft lighting bathe your space in a warm, welcoming glow (Hygge, 2018). This sensory tapestry, woven with care, cultivates a haven of calmness and rejuvenation, directly impacting your emotional state and fostering a sense of wellbeing.
Fredrickson & Cohn's research (2007) reveals the potent link between gratitude practices and increased happiness and resilience. As you curate your decorations, pause to acknowledge the blessings in your life, big and small. Express gratitude by etching a heartfelt message on a hand-painted ornament, jotting down thankful thoughts on a decorative card, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of each treasured piece. This simple act of mindful appreciation strengthens your resilience against negativity and cultivates a sense of contentment.
Un-decorating with mindfulness: Embracing letting go and growth
Un-decorating, often relegated to a hasty post-festive chore, can be transformed into a powerful wellbeing ritual when approached with intentionality. This mindful shift unlocks a potent therapeutic practice.
Research by Walsh & Shapiro (2006) explores the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness-based expressive rituals. As you pack away ornaments, acknowledge the emotions associated with them. Did that bauble mark a joyous celebration? A bittersweet memory? Gently release any lingering emotions, thanking them for their role in your story and making space for new experiences. This act of mindful release becomes a cathartic experience, clearing emotional baggage and paving the way for inner peace.
Deepen the exploration of un-decorating as a metaphor for accepting change and the cyclical nature of life. Draw connections to research like Mikulincer & Shahar (2007) on the link between acceptance and reduced anxiety and depression. As you take down festive lights, acknowledge the impermanence of things. See yourself like a tree shedding its leaves in winter, preparing for renewal and growth. This mindful acceptance fosters resilience and inner peace, allowing you to navigate the ebb and flow of life with greater ease.
Brown & Ryan's research (2003) highlights the connection between mindfulness and increased life satisfaction. Slow down, resist the urge to rush, and turn un-decorating into a mindful ritual. Fold each piece of wrapping paper with intention, savoring the crisp sounds and tactile textures. Polish ornaments with care, appreciating their beauty. This savoring of the process allows you to be present in the moment, reducing stress and fostering a sense of calm and groundedness.
Blossoming beyond the blues: Transforming your space, transforming yourself
Mindful decorating and un-decorating are not just about rearranging trinkets; they are potent tools for self-care and wellbeing. By intentionally adding and removing elements from our spaces, we cultivate both joy and acceptance, enriching our emotional landscape and fostering a sense of personal agency. After all, our homes are a reflection of our inner states, and by transforming them mindfully, we transform ourselves.
So, embrace this post-holiday period not as a slump, but as an opportunity to bloom. Decorate with intention, un-decorate with mindfulness, and witness the extraordinary blossom of wellbeing unfolding within you. Let your space be a haven of wellbeing, a testament to your inner strength and resilience, and a constant reminder that even amidst the fading glitter, joy and peace reside within your reach.
Ana Vavrek, Special Guest Writer
Ana, a Registered Nurse and Holistic Nurse Wellbeing Coach, who weathered the storm of burnout firsthand, is now the driving force behind the transformative Huddle Nurse Network. Fueled by the conviction that every nurse deserves to thrive, she guides her peers through the labyrinth of stress and overwhelm, helping them unearth their inherent strengths and forge a harmonious work/life balance. Through innovative coaching programs like mindfulness workshops and personalized action plans, Ana empowers nurses to cast off the shackles of burnout, crystalize their priorities, and reclaim the joy of their profession. Her story, one of resilience and unwavering compassion, is a beacon for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of healthcare with confidence, sustainability, and a life deeply loved.
References:
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and human flourishing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(1), 82-90.
Fredrickson, B. L., & Cohn, M. A. (2007). Positive emotions in sustainable systems: Evidence for enhanced resilience and flexibility. In P. A. M. Van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins (Eds.), Handbook of theories of social psychology (pp. 153-170). Sage Publications.
Hancock, L. E., Tighe, L. P., & Russell, D. W. (2022). The relationship between creative activities and well-being in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology of Health, 37(8),1156-1174.
Howell, K. C., & Keirns, K. A. (2005). Attachment styles and the psychological functions of cherished possessions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 88(1), 155-165.
Hygge. (2018). The little book of hygge: Danish secrets to happy living. Penguin Books.
Krueger, M. W., & Ketley, L. E. (2016). Objects and belonging: Possessions and attachment to social groups. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 25(4), 206-211.
Moss, M., Cook, J., & Westrum, R. (2017). Aromatherapy: Does it really work? A review of clinical trials. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(4), 706-719.
Mikulincer, M., & Shahar, G. (2007). Attachment and psychopathology: From theory to evidence.Guilford Publications.
Walsh, R., & Shapiro, D. H. (2006). Mindfulness and psychological health. Springer Publishing Company.
