Twinkling lights, mulled wine and great food. Christmas can be a joyous time. Socialising with friends, family and colleagues is often a much anticipated and welcome part of the festive season, though the build-up can of course be stressful. For some, it is often a time to reflect on the year and plan ahead bringing quiet moments, and time to ruminate. All this distraction can make being in the present moment tricky and looking after ourselves and prioritising our energy can be a challenge. That’s why I have found it is important to pause, reflect and take time out for yourself.

Mindfulness can be described as living in the present moment, appreciating the here and now and focusing on the simple things that can bring some joy.  It seems simple enough, but a bit vague when we are overloaded, so I wanted to share a few ways I have found helpful to practice being more mindful during the festive period. Often these can be simple, and low or no cost, and just mean using what you may already have or may already be doing, with more intention and purpose.

Some ideas may be more accessible than others.  I have found it does take time to find what works, but exploring alternatives, and taking the opportunity to be creative is all part of the process.  

Here are my top tips, but please do share any others you have of your own.

Getting out and immersing yourself in nature

With everything cosy, warm and more manageable, it can be tempting to stay indoors, but I find getting a bit of fresh air can clear my head. I wrap up warm and get out to a park, conservation area or nature trail. Taking time to focus on one or more senses can focus my mind. Whether it’s breathing in the woody scents, feeling the sunlight or the coolness on my skin, watching reflections or shadows or listening out for the birds, it helps ground me in the present moment.

Get creative

This year, I’ve decided to send homemade Christmas cards. Drawing, colouring, doodling in whichever way I can, just feels more tangible. It’s hard not to be critical, but it’s not an exam or about being an excellent artist, just about being present. Sometimes I get friends or family around me to support with the physical bit, but watching mindfully, and considering what it will look like can also focus my mind. There are apps you can use to print out mindful colouring patterns, with a particular focus on Christmas if you’d prefer.  A quick image search online gives plenty of options! The Sprit Echo seems to have some simple options.

Breathwork

Focussing on your body and breath can bring you to the present moment. I have found it really helpful to focus and regulate my thoughts. Box breathing is a simple yet powerful relaxation technique that can be practiced anywhere at any time.

‘The technique works by slowing down the breath and distracting the mind by drawing the focus to a 4-4-4-4 pattern of inhale, hold, exhale and hold.’ 

There are also lots of mindfulness apps out there, with techniques for breathwork, focusing on the body and tools for sleep too. Take a look online and find one that you may like. I’ve found ‘Calm’ and ‘Headspace’ useful in the past. They’re both quite practical tools. Both have 14 day free trials but it’s worth finding one that could work for you. There are also plenty of free videos online.

Food and drink

Mindful cooking, eating and drinking can be another option to explore. Feeding my body and not my emotions is sometimes a real challenge, placing attention on each bite, or sip can really help bring me back to the moment.

I have found mulling some wine or grape juice as some people prefer, can be quite therapeutic and relaxing if you really take a moment to appreciate each step of the process. Touch, feel and smell the spices, observe what they look like and gently take time to taste and enjoy the flavours.

Eating mindfully by slowing down, enjoying each bite, taking a moment to breathe and focusing on the look, touch, taste and feel of the food can be helpful. Being aware of when you’re full is helpful to avoid over indulging at this time of year in particular!     

Writing things down

If your head is full of thoughts and ideas, sometimes they become a bit tangled. Doomscrolling isn’t the best way to take your mind off this!  I like a solutions-based approach so instead, I open my notes app, or get a pen and paper and write things down. This gives me a bit more perspective, and a tangible list for the next day.

Planning ahead

With more organising, planning and going out to unfamiliar places, the uncertainty can be nerve-wracking, and can take its toll on energy. AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides are one useful way to alleviate the uncertainty and know what to expect. I find the search tool gives me a few prompts and ideas of what is accessible too.

Begin your search

Moments of joy and reflection

Whether it’s watching the flicker of a candle for a few minutes, looking at the reflections in a bauble, taking in the scents of food, listening to the sounds of children, or savouring the taste of chocolate from an advent calendar, joyful moments can be in the little everyday things.  I hope you find some time for yourself and have a wonderful festive period ahead.