A Few Of My Favorite Practices For A Joyful And Balanced Holiday Season

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As much as I love this time of year, it often comes with a long list of to-dos: attending family gatherings, decorating our homes, buying presents, cooking holiday favorites, donating to cherished causes, and wrapping up year-end tasks.

So much of the season centers around giving — giving our time, energy, gifts, and, yes, sometimes giving in to others’ expectations. Deep down, we all want to be of service, to see that smile on a loved one’s face, or to know we’ve gone out of our way for someone else. Yet, it can be easy to forget to pause, receive, and savor things for ourselves.

If, like me, you sometimes get swept up in the holiday whirlwind, here are a few of my favorite mindfulness practices to help you stay grounded, present, and joyful during the season.

Mindful Eating And Drinking

The holidays bring delicious meals, drinks, and treats that are as much about tradition as they are about indulgence. It’s tempting to overindulge or rush through meals, especially when the sights, smells, and conversations compete for our attention. ‘

Here’s a simple practice: pause before you eat. Take a calming breath to center yourself. With each bite or sip, immerse yourself in the experience — savor the flavors, textures, and colors as if you were a food critic tasked with describing them in detail. Tune into your body’s signals: eat when you’re hungry, and stop when you feel satisfied.

And if you overindulge, remember to be gentle with yourself. One meal doesn’t define your holiday season or your well-being. Every bite is an opportunity to reconnect with your intentions and enjoy the moment.

Navigating Gatherings

Holiday gatherings can be both joyful and challenging, often stirring up difficult emotions or uneasy family dynamics that can leave us feeling stretched or ungrounded.

Before attending, take a moment to ask yourself: “What do I need to feel supported today?”  Write it down. Your support might be as simple as stepping outside for fresh air or having a trusted friend you can call. If time allows, consider practicing an emotional anchoring tool such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Reiki self-treatment or crystal therapy to help you stay centered.

During the gathering, stay connected to the present by noticing your surroundings. Feel your feet firmly on the ground, breathe deeply, and gently remind yourself that it’s okay not to meet every expectation. And if emotions do get stirred up within you, try using the 333 rule: name three things you see, touch three objects, and identify three sounds around you. This simple practice can quickly bring you back to the present at the gathering instead of fretting over emotions.

Meaningful Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is one of the joys of the season, but it can also bring stress, especially if we feel the pressure to overspend or to “get it all right.”

Take a step back and reflect: “What does giving mean to me?” Instead of focusing on quantity or cost, consider gifts that reflect your values and promote connection, creativity, or personal growth. Sometimes the simplest gestures carry the most love. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Personalized Gifts: Create something unique like a handwritten letter, a photo album of shared memories, or a custom playlist filled with songs that remind you of the recipient.
• Experience-Based Gifts: Give the gift of time and shared activities — tickets to a show, a cooking class, or a planned outing like a hike or museum visit.
• Self-Care Bundles: Put together a care package with items that promote relaxation and well-being, such as candles, herbal teas, cozy socks, or a journal.
• Creative Tools: Inspire their passions with supplies for a favorite hobby, like art materials, gardening tools, or a book on a subject they love.
• Charitable Giving: Donate to a cause close to their heart, or support a small business, artisan, or local nonprofit in their name.

Creating Space For Yourself

With packed schedules and endless demands, it’s easy to put yourself last. But here’s a secret: when you prioritize your own well-being, you can show up more fully for others.

Allow yourself to say “no” to commitments that don’t align with your values or energy. Write down one small activity you love — reading your favorite book, sipping your coffee without distractions, taking a short walk — and make it a non-negotiable part of your day. Even five minutes can make a world of difference.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all. The magic of the season lies in the moments you create for yourself and the ones you share intentionally with others.

Here Are A Few Other Ways To Prioritize Your Well-Being

SCHEDULE WHITE SPACE IN YOUR CALENDAR Block off time in your schedule for absolutely nothing. Use it for quiet reflection, journaling, or simply resting.

CREATE A RETREAT AT HOME Designate a cozy corner with items that calm you — a soft blanket, a favorite book, or your go-to essential oils. Spend a few minutes here when you need to recharge.

MOVE MINDFULLY Whether it’s yoga, a light stretch, or a simple dance break to your favorite song, let movement release tension and reconnect you with your body.

DIGITAL DETOX Reserve an hour (or even a whole day) free from screens to quiet the noise and be present with yourself and your surroundings.

However you celebrate this season, I hope it’s filled with moments that matter to you. Take time to pause, breathe, and savor the beauty of connection — both with those around you and within yourself. Wishing you a season of joy, balance, and light.

Anabel is an Antojai® Quantum Reiki Master, energy healer and astrologer. She established Nuna Therapy with the profound intention to help others in rediscovering their unique authenticity and restoring harmony within themselves. Visit www.nunatherapy.com.

Find holistic Meditation in the Spirit of Change online Alternative Health Directory.

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