5 Mindful Ways To Make This Christmas Extra Special

As much as we try to deny it, the Christmas period can be as overwhelming as it is festive and joyful. The tradition of coming together as families and friends has a way of bringing our emotional well-being into focus, amplifying and intensifying both a sense of togetherness and loneliness. We feel gratitude for the people around and loss for those no longer with us. We take stock of the year past, reflecting on failures and celebrating successes. With a little more time and less distraction, we sit down with others, or find time alone.

We have put together five mindful tips to help you navigate the coming weeks with acceptance, kindness, and awareness.

1. START WITH OPTIMISM

Christmas is a time of the year when our thoughts are focused on family, helping those around us and finding joy in the little things. Have you noticed that we often don't take enough time out to focus on us? Well, that's not a good state of mind to be in at this time of year. If you need a little boost, just imagine how much easier it will be for you to get through this if your mindset is positive rather than negative. It really can work that way, if you believe it!

2. TRY MINDFUL EATING

We all know the importance of taking time out of our day to hug our loved ones. They are one of the many simple ways to connect with those around you. It's something we do regularly as a way to show our love, care and commitment. At Christmas this tradition can become even more special with the shared desire we all have to celebrate together. Hugs are wonderful.. Hugs make us feel safe and protected from the pain of the world around us. This is because hugging releases endorphins which are beneficial for your mind, body and spirit.

3. HUG IT OUT

We all know the importance of taking time out of our day to hug our loved ones. They are one of the many simple ways to connect with those around you. It's something we do regularly as a way to show our love, care and commitment. At Christmas this tradition can become even more special with the shared desire we all have to celebrate together. Hugs are wonderful.. Hugs make us feel safe and protected from the pain of the world around us. This is because hugging releases endorphins which are beneficial for your mind, body and spirit.

4. DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

We all have things that we possess. Some of us, like me, are hoarders of belongings. It is a problem that plagues many who struggle with finding the wherewithal to go about cleaning up their lives, and clearing out closets and basements. Release those things that you possess that make you forget that you are just a person and don't need all this stuff. Practice giving not because you want in return but because nature commands that we release to grow and develop.

5. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Gratitude is one of the most positive emotions we can feel. There is a growing body of research which shows that being grateful, in general, has many positive impacts on our health and well-being. We all like receiving a gift, but how often do we actually express our gratitude? We can write a thank you note for a gift or behaviour you’ve appreciated. It doesn’t have to be a handwritten letter. You can express gratitude via text, email or social media. You can visit someone and thank them in person, or spend time contemplating being grateful for certain activities, such as having family or friends to spend Christmas with. Thinking about being grateful is also helpful, not just the act of being grateful.

Here at Baie Botanique, we’ve been cultivating self-care and living a life full of gratitude and love. We believe the holidays are the best time to continue with this practice. We will choose to make good choices to enrich our minds, bodies and spirits.

Wishing you a very mindful festive season and a Happy New Year!

Always remember, you are a miracle!