With everything going on during the holidays, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the excitement. And between work, decorating, gift buying, and a booked-solid social schedule, the stress can take over and even bum you out right in the middle of all the festivities. So here are some tips for making the most of the holidays and avoiding the holiday blues.
Close your eyes and say “thank you” – Being mindful is key to enjoying this time of year, and gratitude goes a long way to help you stay in the present moment. So when you’re having a blissful moment during the holidays, stop for a second to close your eyes and say “thank you” to yourself. Sounds corny, but it works.
Take a mental photo – Everyone’s always snapping photos to share on social media, but pausing for a mental photo is important, too. Stopping to mentally take in the sights, the sounds, and soak up all the details of your experience can help you recall that memory later.
Reflect – Spending a few minutes recording your memories, things that make you happy, and things that are important to you in a gratitude journal can help you look back on those joyful times when you’re feeling down or sad. At the end of the day, write down five things that made you smile that day and include as many details as you can to help you savor those memories and appreciate them more in the future.
Source: The Thirty