Mindfulness as an Antidote to Holiday Stress
The holiday season is a time to come together and celebrate the things that matter most. Family, friends, and loved ones can all play a role in making this time of year special. However, the holiday season can also be a time of stress and anxiety.
With so much to do and so little time, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. This year, take a step back and focus on what’s truly important. Embrace kindness and show others gratitude. Give yourself and those around you the gift of your time and attention.
These small acts of kindness will help alleviate your stress and will also go a long way in making this holiday season one to remember.
With gratitude,
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTIONS
Create Mandalas
These geometric configurations are not just beautiful to look at, but are also therapeutic to create. Drawing and coloring mandalas can induce a meditative state, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Create your own mandala with construction paper using this guided DGT video.
Practice Yoga
Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can bring balance to both your body and mind, as well as offer a peaceful retreat from the holiday hustle. Reflect on how you felt before and after your yoga practice.
Take Notice
Mindfulness practices can help you stay present and appreciate the magic of the holiday season. Practice staying present and take notice of the little things that make the season so special!
Read Together
Curl up with a good book and your loved ones. Sharing stories can foster connection and create warm holiday memories. Our Read with Empathy collection is filled with book recommendations to get you started!
Shop Kind
Our Shop Kind store offers a variety of gift options that inspire kindness. This year, make a difference with your holiday shopping. Your loved ones will surely appreciate gifts that spread kindness and joy.
Volunteer Listings
Are you looking for opportunities in your area to volunteer with your kids? Check out our free volunteer listings. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details of a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
CONVERSATIONS
What does it mean to be “present” in everyday life?
How can you be more present in your everyday life?
Why is it important to be present?
What makes you feel stressed or anxious?
What do you do to help yourself when you feel stress or anxiety?
What strategies would you recommend to a friend who was stressed out this holiday season?
What stress relief technique did you learn from talking to others?
READ
Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More by Malika Chopra
Wellness expert Mallika Chopra reaches out to kids ages 8 to 12 with this book full of specific exercises to help deal with day-to-day challenges. Accessible and fun, with lots of illustrations, this is a mindfulness tool kids will enjoy coming back to when they need it.
Just Breathe is included in our Mindfulness & Gratitude collection to help your family Read with Empathy!
INSPIRATION
“Meditation is like a gym in which you develop the powerful mental muscles of calm and insight.”
— Ajahn Brahm