The idea of practicing mindfulness right now might seem too ambitious given our long to-do list, but the stress of the holidays makes it even more important to take a few moments to cultivate feelings of calm and peace.
Mindfulness—when you become fully present in the moment and enjoy an awareness of your thoughts, feelings, sensations and surrounding environment—is a helpful coping skill that can center you when anxieties creep in, whether that’s the temporary stress of searching for the perfect gift and navigating mall traffic or the longer-term stress of dealing with difficult family situations.
Because we’re all different, your mindfulness practice might look different than others. Here are a few ways to practice mindfulness:
- Practice deep breaths during or after a stressful moment.
- Take a mini-break during the day to be still.
- Avoid doing too many things at once.
- Keep a journal to record your thoughts in a private space.
- Join Health Plus in a Pop-Up Stretch Break or Virtual Mindful Break. Register at this link.
If stress is becoming overwhelming, contact Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections–Employee Assistance Program at (615) 936-1327 to schedule a free, confidential counseling appointment.