10 Tips for a Calm & Mindful Christmas


Meet Ian
December 04, 2017 / Posted by Cheryl Brunwin / in Christmas / 2187 Views

It’s the time of year for traditions, memories and over-indulging. But don’t let it get stressful. Try these 10 tips for a Calm & Mindful Christmas from Ian Banyard, Director of Talent & Business Development and mindfulness enthusiast.

  1. Sit and Enjoy

Despite all the planning and shopping that may need to be done, give yourself time to sit and enjoy the festive season. Sit in the dark with a candle and the lights lit on your Christmas tree. Let your mind wander over happy memories of childhood Christmases. Let the beauty and wonder you feel, spread through your body and remind you of the good things you have in your life. Listen to the sound of the rain or the wind outside. The weather is constantly changing just like life itself but as you sit next to the glow of your Christmas tree, you can experience contentment and joy! Invest some simple moments in appreciation.

 

  1. Find your Sanctuary of calm

Disconnect for 10 minutes to a sanctuary of calm. This could be your car parked out in the carpark, a cosy window-seat or a spot in your garden. Respect your need for replenishing moments of quiet, even amidst all the busy stuff! If you’re a dog-owner,  you always have an excuse to leave a busy house and find calm as you walk with your four-footed companion. Simply slip away and disconnect.

 

  1. Jingle bells!

Wear something that jingles on your wrist or keep keys in your pocket so that the sound when you move is a present moment reminder. Incorporating mindfulness is not difficult but we are such creatures of habit that we are on auto-pilot much of the time. This is your chance to wake up!

 

  1. The Sound of Music

Take the opportunity with Christmas Carols and festive music around, to take time out to listen, with all your attention. Stop what you’re doing and give your full attention to one or two pieces. Music is very powerful because our minds are drawn to memories and associations. See if you can fully focus on the sounds. You might discover layers of sound you didn’t realise were there – a violin or a drum beat hidden beneath the tune you know and love.

 

  1. Christmas Cheers!

Around Christmas time there are more opportunities to sip a seasonal tipple or share drinks socially. Whatever these drinks might be, bring mindfulness to the process. You might be enjoying a rich Bailey’s Cream, a spicy Mulled Wine or a hot Ginger and Cinnamon Tea. Breath in the aroma, savour the flavours and enjoy the moment.

 

  1. Seasonal Aromas

Enjoy the seasonal smells as you are cooking in the kitchen, shopping or walking in nature. We often take our sense of smell for granted – be mindful of all those wonderful fragrances at this time of year – from rich, spicy mince-pies to pine cones, oranges and cloves.

 

  1. Washing Up Tranquility

Rather than feel washing up is a chore, choose to see it as an opportunity for calm and tranquility. As you run your hands and wrists under warm running water be fully present. In winter, the warmth of the water will nurture you and the smell of the soap suds can be a moment of sensory enjoyment too. If you enjoy it too much, maybe others will want to join in, or take over.

 

  1. Gratitude Practice

There is so much to be appreciative of at this time of year. Having a home, being warm and comfortable, meeting up with friends and family, plentiful food and beautiful surroundings; the list is endless. Say thank you to others, say it to yourself, and mean it, or write everything you are grateful for down. Do it often enough, and you may find those easy grumbles and annoyances fall into the shadows, overwhelmed by the easy practice of gratitude. It’s a habit you may well wish to continue on into the new year.

 

  1. Staying in Breath

Imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon. With every long, slow exhalation, you may feel more relaxed. Try this any time you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed – maybe before you leave the house for a social event or in the middle of dashing madly round the house doing a week’s worth of chores in one morning!

 

  1. Make a Mindful Resolution

Every January people make a new year resolution to improve their life in some way and by February most good intentions lay forgotten until next year! So how about making a mindful resolution. You can choose to continue doing any, or all of the above tips throughout the coming new year 2018 and benefit from more clarity of thought, better health and a deeper connection to what’s really important in life – peace, joy and goodwill to all.