Written by: Gurpreet Kaur, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Holidays bring as much stress as they do joy. You are not the only one who feels stressed and overwhelmed during this jolly time. In this article, I share a mindful mindset to survive the holidays without breaking down.
Let’s go through the definition of mindfulness first. According to the master of mindfulness, Jon Kabat-Zinn, “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present-moment reality.” Being a little more mindful during this time can help you cope with the parts of this season that bring you stress. I want to invite you to adopt Less Is More mindset this holiday season and see how it eases things up for you.
Less is More mindset will help you stay calm and at peace throughout the holiday season if you can just take a small pause and whisper yourself “less is more” whenever you start to feel overwhelmed. Less is More goes for everything during this season:
Less But Mindful Gifts: Being mindful when you are buying gifts can save you money and a lot of anxiety. You won’t believe how many people report feeling anxious and overwhelmed about gift giving. Instead of falling in the commercialization-of-Christmas trap for gift giving, consider giving less but more thought-out gifts. The intention of giving a specific gift holds a lot of positive energy that comes with the gifts you give.
Less But Healthy Food: Food can be a big trigger for many people around the holidays. Usually, tables are full of unhealthy and mindless food. Taking a little time to be conscious of the foods that are nutritious for your body can save you a ton of shame and guilt a couple of hours after dinner.
Less But Who Really Matter People on The Dining Table: Most of the time we like to keep the family traditions and keep the way things have been for years or even generations. You may be filling your grandmother or mother’s role this year so you do things the way they would have done. I encourage you to mindfully put people on your guest list. If you are afraid of offending people, it is not your job to save people from emotional suffering. So, be mindful of who you really want to share the space with. I know making tough decisions like this are not easy, but they save you from your own emotional turmoil.
Less Talk and Listen More: I think we all can practice this at times. Try it this holiday season! Listening deeply prompts you ask more meaningful questions that connects you with others at a much deeper level, which is very satisfying to your soul instead of staying at the surface. A deeper and mindful connection with your loved ones equals meaningful and satisfying relationships.
Less Unnecessary Activity and Relax More: I invite you to purposely and consciously slow down and feel the peace and calmness around you. Walk slowly and mindfully. Drive slowly and mindfully to the events. Eat slowly and mindfully at the parties. This type of slow down and added mindfulness gives depth to your experience that you will remember for years to come. Verses doing everything in a rush and anxiously that leave you tired and in a haze.
There you have it! My mindful mindset is to enjoy this beautiful holiday season without the stress. The holidays are meant to experience joy, peace, and connection with your loved ones. A slight change in your mindset can help you experience all that. Happy Holidays!
Gurpreet Kaur, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Life Coach, Speaker, and an Author. Dr. Kaur is very passionate about self-love, self-empowerment, wellness, reaching the full potential, and applying quantum mechanics principles to daily life. Dr. Kaur teaches a step-by-step self-care process to live a mentally and emotionally healthy life.
