Have a Balanced Holiday 

Find joy in all feelings and keep holiday stress at bay with these mindful tips.

As the holiday season approaches, it is essential to find ways to embrace the festivities while managing the stress that often accompanies the season. I have found insightful perspectives that can be drawn from the poem, “The Guest House,” which metaphorically depicts the mind as a home where emotions visit. Rumi encourages us to welcome all joyful and sorrowful emotions as guests in our lives. Much like a gracious host who opens their door to visitors, we too must open our hearts to the full spectrum of emotions that come our way to allow space for new delights, especially during this festive season. 

The holidays can evoke a range of feelings, from excitement and joy to anxiety and sadness. Rather than shying away from our complex emotions, we should acknowledge and appreciate them. Each feeling has its purpose, teaching valuable lessons and guiding us on our journey. Practicing this form of emotional acceptance is crucial for cultivating inner peace during the holiday season. By allowing ourselves to feel and process all our emotions, we create an environment where joy, love and tranquility can thrive. 

As we navigate this busy season, remember that it’s OK to have moments of stress and uncertainty. Just like guests in your home, emotions also leave. Embracing our emotions allows us the freedom to fully experience the joy of the holidays, fostering deeper connections with ourselves and those around us. 

Here are some mindful strategies to help keep holiday stress at bay:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: By recognizing and validating your feelings, you will allow yourself to process your emotions rather than suppress them.
2. Practice Gratitude: Each day, reflect on what brings you joy, even amidst the challenges. Keeping a gratitude journal can shift your focus toward positivity.
3. Use Mindful Breathing: Implement moments of stillness with deep breathing exercises. This practice can ground you and reduce anxiety when stress begins to rise.
4. Create Meaningful Moments: Engage fully with each holiday activity, whether decorating, cooking or shopping. Appreciate the sights, sounds and scents that accompany holiday traditions.
5. Set Boundaries: It is easy to overcommit during the holidays, but knowing your limits is vital. Prioritize activities and gatherings that bring you genuine joy and comfort.
6. Spend Time in Nature: A simple walk outdoors can provide clarity and refresh your spirit amidst the holiday hustle. From nourishing your mental health to boosting your immune system, nature can awaken your senses. 
7. Prioritize Self-Care: Take time to engage in activities that foster relaxation and recharge your emotional reserves. 

Remember, the holiday season is a time of connection, joy and appreciation. By practicing mindfulness and allowing ourselves to experience the full range of emotions, we can embrace the beauty of this season while keeping stress at bay. Let us open our hearts to all feelings, creating space for lasting joy, love and peace during this time of year.

Anthony Cupo is a trained mindfulness facilitator (TMF) from the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He is a co-owner of Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC, and has been meditating for over 30 years.