The various end-of-year holidays have a way of encouraging us to look to the past—sometimes the distant past (as Hanukkah looks back to the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and Christmas looks back on the birth of Jesus) and sometimes our own personal histories.
While those personal histories can involve lovely traditions, for some—perhaps for you—they also include everything from family squabbles to significant trauma that might be associated with one holiday or another. Because of this, the holiday season can be truly difficult for many, many people.
If you are a person who wishes New Year’s Day could be the day after Halloween, you may be looking for ways to keep your spirits bright when your past is dragging you back to dark places. We would like to suggest that you give yourself the present of being present—that is, that you make an intentional effort to enjoy the moments that are happening now rather than ruminating on the past.
That might sound like it is easier said than done, and it is certainly the case that most people are in the habit of thinking about things they regret from the past or worrying about what might happen in the future. That is true no matter the time of year—and that means learning to be more present is the gift that keeps on giving.
Mindfulness and Yoga Both Help You Practice Being Present
We have written before about mindfulness and yoga and the ways in which both practices encourage you to bring your mind into the present. Each of these practices asks you to bring your attention to your breath and then return your attention to your breathing each time you find that your thoughts have run off. The physical aspects of yoga can help you stay in the moment (while also providing fitness benefits), while the quiet aspects of mindfulness make it something you can practice anywhere and anytime you can find a few moments for yourself.
That might all sound fine and dandy, but it might seem a little late in the game for these practices to be helpful over the holidays. That is fair enough (though even just getting started has benefits). So the question becomes: What are some ways you can be present over the holidays even if you have not been training your mind in these ways?
Ways to Savor the Present Moment More Often
Count Down Through Your Senses
Sometimes being present in the moment takes a little nudge. One way to nudge yourself in the desired direction is to try a countdown technique that engages all of your senses and brings your surroundings into sharper focus. The technique starts with a few deep breaths. After that, you start the countdown:
- FIVE: Name five things you can see.
- FOUR: Name four things you can touch in your immediate environment.
- THREE: Name three things you can hear right now.
- TWO: Name two things you can smell nearby.
- ONE: Name one thing you can taste.
Finish the process with a few more deep breaths and see how you feel.
We have written at greater length about this technique and the ways it can be used to address anxiety, but it also provides an opportunity to bring your mind into the moment.
Turn Off Your Phone and Put It Out of Reach
There is probably no object in the world that can distract you from the current moment faster than your phone. You get notifications about the news. You scroll through your social media feeds. You look up who that familiar looking actor is and what they have been in before. You play games.
None of those things are necessarily bad in and of themselves (though we have some thoughts on the news and social media, as well as the impact of your screens on your sleep), but they can easily take you out of the moment you are trying to enjoy. So when you are with family or friends over the holidays, set your phone aside. That will give you the chance to really listen and connect to the people around you.
Give Yourself the Time You Need to Recharge
The rush of the holidays can be exhausting—and that can be especially true if you are expected to show up at every gathering or to honor every tradition dating back generations. The fact of the matter is that it is difficult to stay present when you are exhausted, so you have to take the time you need to relax and recharge during the holiday season.
That might mean declining an invitation or not baking three dozen cookies for the office holiday swap, or leaving a get-together early. Setting some boundaries and prioritizing rest can help you be present in the moments you do choose to spend with others over the holidays.
We Are Here to Help in the Moment
If you are struggling with your mental health, the right moment to get help is right now. At Peak View Behavioral Health—located in Colorado Springs, Colorado—we offer personalized care and treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. We are always here to help if you need us.
